Samaya Ling Vintage

Hair Cut & Frock Me!

2012-02-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

I just moved domain names all on my own! It was quite sad closing the old website down but it had to go....luckily I have all the images for future use....So, getting ready for Frock Me (at Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Road, this Sunday from 11am) has been crazy, tons of new stock and a whole rail of 'just in' Pearl Lowe vintage dresses (from her private collection) to steam, lots of my own new pieces to have repaired or cleaned and now the lovely Lynda has sent me her incredible Chanel suit - its the softest wool with amazing buttons and the best shape ever, short pleated skirt and stunning jacket with 3/4 length sleeves...it fits me perfectly and I wish I could keep it - I look so elegant...not really right for my not so elegant lifestyle...New pieces coming with me are: A huge YSL necklace, a mad YSL rainbow knit dress, two beautiful 1930s tiaras, an amazing thick silk velvet Victorian bodice and some amazing early 1900s metallic lace work bodices.... Katherine Higgins and BBC2 are coming to see me on Sunday - they are filming Put Your Money Where Your Mouth is and want to sell me something....hence the hair cut tomorrow...well actually I always have a lot of hair cuts...I tweeted earlier about it: 'slightly defensive reply to question about how much my hair cuts cost: "if you had hair you would understand". Kim is coming again on Sunday to help me - thank goodness - with Fashion Week coming up its always the busiest time and I like to have a quick skip down the Kings Road while I am there - Bristol is a wonderful city but does not have a lot of shops for me (apart from the vintage ones of course!). Did anyone read the VintagExplorer magazine yet? (http://www.vintagexplorer.co.uk/) If you have please take note! My words have been edited (slightly) - if you can spot one or two phrases I would never ever use, let me know.....here is a clue: metro....and dedicated....hum! Love Samaya xxx PS: Do email me for free tickets to Frock Me xxx

Vintage Cutler and Gross

2012-01-25T02:50:00.000-08:00

We had a great time yesterday - sadly Sylvie had to stay home as her little boy had a fever but Louise and I carried on...we hit the (tail) end of the sales in Harvey Nicks, had an amazing lunch, viewed all the amazing vintage frames in Cutler and Gross vintage shop (just around the corner from their Knightsbridge store), met Monica to give her the photoshoot hire pieces and chose my pair of glasses! here they are: http://www.cutlerandgross.com (click sunglasses in collections and mine are the ones in the bottom right hand corner...massive 80s style - perfect!) After a browse around Liberty (tried on the most wonderful suede jumper by Isabel Marant) we finally made it to Battersea Arts centre to The Decorative Antique and Textile Fair - it was beautiful, everything I liked had sold (little red stickers on everything that was no longer available..) apart from a pair of carved angels in their own clouds! wow. I did not even ask the price as I have enough weird furnishings in the house - and now little Rob has started playing ice hockey there are pucks flying about and I will have to put away all my mirrors...Now to help my sister move house and find some new stock! Love Samaya xxx
PS: I really really want a pair of these in black:

Happy New Year!

2012-01-23T12:42:00.001-08:00

To celebrate the end of a hard couple of weeks and Chinese New Year (I am a Dragon so this is MY year!) I am off to London tomorrow to meet with Monica Chong at her Cutler and Gross shop in Knightsbridge - and choose some sunglasses! Very excited as Sylvie and Louise are coming.... afterwards we are going to have lunch and then go and check out the Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair, at Battersea Arts Centre - http://www.decorativefair.com. It's been a hard few days so I really need a fun day out - sure tomorrow is sort of work but its good good work - not freezing my face off at an outdoor antique fair for days on end...why I booked for January I will never know - it was fun (in a way) and I loved meeting the dealers either side of me - we had a good laugh when we could...in between blasts of mad icy wind and weird customers (sorry customers) - ooh, I did meet a few other wonderful people - including Annie Fewlass - knitwear designer extraordinaire! More about that later..... In amongst all the hard out door work (even my face was chapped) I had some enquiries that took hours, I mean literally over 50 emails back and forth with the same people - and the outcome? Nothing! Crikey, I must be losing my touch. I really suit the nice indoor fairs with music and coffee...and toilets nearby....more soon xxx Love Samaya PS: This mad image is from Liz's blog - it made me laugh a lot as I imagined it was me and her...she being the bigger one wearing the yoke of course xxx she is quite the best of women, brilliant and there are serious insider tips on her blog! check her out: http://thewasherwoman.blogspot.com/

Happy New 2012!

2012-01-11T12:59:00.000-08:00

What a (long) and mostly fabulous holiday - amazing presents (a huge 12 foot trampoline for little Robert - I have been on it a lot, lost a couple of dress sizes but must admit to doing the Dukan too though), a silver and black globe...a carefully crafted photo album from my Sister and tons of nice smelly things. We had a big party on Christmas day...my cousin Leilah (who is offically nuts) asked to bring along a friend, ASBO (I was quite worried but you can't turn people away at Christmas - remember Mary & Joseph?). Anyhow, Asbo turned out to be harmless and quite charming (a few guests were disappointed by this). Things all changed from jolly to very sad on December the 30th. My beautiful, cheeky, amazing and talented Nan died, age 95. I have just returned (yesterday) from her funeral in Scotland - it was a really good ceremony. I know its natural to die when you are very old but I still feel shocked, I was only up to visit Nan earlier in December and she was still the same, just a bit slower perhaps - she told me about dress swapping with Amy Johnson in the 1930s....To shake off the sadness and the long journey home I ran THREE MILES, without a single rest, this morning - I did not even get out of breath! Perhaps I will do the marathon. Now I am off upstairs to get ready for the first Hammersmith vintage fair of 2012 (This Sunday the 15th @ Hammersmith town hall)....Do email me if you'd like a free ticket xx Oh yes! I really need some help with my eye brows (again, the last plucker got carried away) - they are big enough now to shape just like Audrey's - but who to trust?! Do let me know if you know where to go for good bushy brows....Love Samaya XX

Winter Coat Syndrome...

2011-12-02T02:50:00.000-08:00

I have had some absolutely beautiful coats over the last few years, took them for granted, sold them - thinking I could find another easily BUT its impossible! If anyone has a link to a great classic (but not boring) coat that looks good worn done up or not I would be very grateful xx I like mid thigh length with narrow shoulders, perhaps a hood and not too much detail.....like the one below by my most beloved Celine..
Pearl Lowe's vintage dresses (http://www.pearllowe.co.uk) got such a great response at Frock Me Vintage Fashion Fair last week that she has given me another exquisite selection for this Sundays 'London Vintage Fair' - again prices starting at £65.00! The fair is being held at: The Hilton Olympia, Kensington High St, London from 10 am on the 4th of December - do email me if you would like free tickets xx Lou (stylist of the above image) (Ruined Lou: http://www.ruinedlou.com) has just gone off with some weird pieces of mine to do an "Olympic' themed shoot - synchronised swimmers and polo riders....I love her work! I will upload the images asap - off I go to pack! Love Samaya X

Pearl Lowe's Dresses Are Coming to Frock Me...

2011-11-24T04:26:00.001-08:00

Wow! My stand for Frock Me vintage fair (this Sunday from 11am at Chelsea Town Hall) is all set up in my studio for a practice (pricing up and steaming creases out and sewing on buttons). It all looks better than ever before! Partly because Pearl Lowe's pretty dresses are hanging up - she asked me to sell a few of her favorites to make some room in her wardrobe (one of the best wardrobes I have ever seen!). They start at £65.00 for a floral day dress so get there early my lovelies! Here are just a few of Pearl's dresses coming with me on Sunday.....do email me if you would like a free ticket xx Love Samaya

Lanvin...

2011-11-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

I'm having a lovely relaxing evening looking through my Lanvin books - here is a photo of a dress by Lanvin...c1920s...I'm writing an article about Jeanne Lanvin for the next VintagExplorer issue, just looking at her early pieces makes my arm hairs stand up. I will be getting an amazing collection ready for this Sunday's Frock Me (27th November @ Chelsea Town Hall) - I have found some incredible 1920s and 30s dresses and most excitingly I have some of Pearl Lowe's own personal collection to sell for her - she wants to make space for a few new (vintage) dresses....if you would like a free ticket let me know via email: samayaling@gmail.com. This has been a splendid weekend all round really, Roberts school Christmas fair yesterday (working on the gate and doing the raffle, quite fun surprisingly!) and today we went for a mad bike ride on the new trail track through Ashton Court - check out this little video - the last 40 seconds really shows what its like, imagine being on a rollercoaster but you have to do the steering! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Or7-elqpgU&feature=related. I had no helmet so went rather slowly, also I was riding my brothers mountain bike (mine is a silly around town bike) - his seat was HORRID and razor like, I spent most of the ride standing up and pulling over to let the professionals go past....Love Samaya xx

Here is where I would go...

2011-11-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

Oh, this place is even called 'The Samaya'....Bali. Visualize hard people. Love Samaya X

Need a holiday...

2011-11-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

What a Monday. I overslept a wee bit this morning and never quite caught up. (Hammersmith Vintage Fair is a long long day!). In the middle of unpacking all the dresses, making calls and catching up on emails SOMEONE (no names) stepped in some dog mess on the street and practically MOONWALKED it into my flat, through the hallways, down the stairs and oh my goodness I was nearly sick a few times as I cleaned up - buckets and buckets of boiling bleach water, scrub scrub, gloves and apron...I even cleaned the street in the end so no one else did the same thing. Then straight after school Ella's phone broke down (she is 15, so it was urgent) so off we rushed to find a new one...on our return little Rob had a horrible headache which needed nursing..turns out he is worried about maths at school...and still no food shopping in the house...I must learn to be more organized and perhaps spend a lot of time positively visualizing a personal assistant / servant to run things while I come up with ideas to earn millions and 'wonder' about looking great. Love Samaya xxxx PS Absolutely had enough of trying to grow my hair - the last time it was long was nearly 10 years ago and it seems to have 'changed', thinner (sob) and a bit wiry - going to try out those hair style websites now where you put your photo in a style etc etc!

Busy week ahead!

2011-11-07T04:03:00.001-08:00

I love this little cape so much - I found it on a very sweet blog: http://everyeskimo.blogspot.com but it does not say where it is from originally...I did see one similar in Paris but it was hundreds of pounds.....Its been an amazing weekend - our brilliant neighbours did it again (Halloween was incredible as usual) with a party in our little park, bonfire, free sausages (bring your own bread rolls), fireworks and lots of mad kids running about dangerously with sparklers...I also managed to get to both Stroud and Bristol vintage fairs with my friend Sylvie - she was supposed to just look but ended up buying amazing 1950s shoes for £5 (!!!!) and long pointy 1920s scarves...perhaps I should go alone from now on. Today I am getting ready for Hammersmith Vintage Fair (Sunday 13th), I have a lot of new pieces to get ready - and more to collect this week - my stand will have a 1920s and 30s selection extraordinaire! I also am writing up my article for the Vintage Exlorer magazine (http://www.vintagexplorer.co.uk/), it will feature my favorite designer ever and my personal best vintage fair dealers...plus top secret information etc....BTW - If anyone would like a free ticket to let me know xx Love Samaya

Fashion, Food and Cornwall...

2011-10-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

I always forget that after a pasty in St Ives, a crab sandwich in Lamorna, a cream tea in Newlyn and an ice cream at Marazion there is not much to eat in Cornwall (unless you are self catering and then the fish possibilities are endless). We ate out the first night in a pub called The Kings Arms, near Mousehole (avoiding The Ship Inn as last time we were there the chef shuffled past us in massive Crocs (those horrid shoes), one hand wiping her nose and the other scratching herself, I am not joking). Sadly the other pub was almost as bad - silence descended as we entered, like the scene from Werewolf in London. Then the food was dry, tasteless and not fresh really, kids like it as the chips and deep fried mushrooms were ok. Perhaps I will retire down there and set up the best pub to ever exist? hahaha. I had a look in a few vintage shops while we were there too - not a thing for me this time but it was good to see my (wicked) step daughter looking so well, happy & so stylish - Faye is tall so does not wear high heels very often, she says she is already towering over most of the Cornish as it is..... I gave her a 1970s Louis Vuitton 'Alma' for a present - she loves it so much! According to little Rob she was taking pictures of it with her iphone late into the night while he was trying to get to sleep. Robert surfed like mad everyday - I was too cold to even think about changing into my wetsuit so I just shouted instructions to him from the shore (I'm very hoarse now - I must get either a very loud whistle or a loud speaker) : "YOU'RE TOO FAR OUT!! COME BACK!" or 'WELL DONE LOVE" etc etc. Here he is finally coming back in to shore....aah, parenthood. Love Samaya xxx

Large Glass of Le Soraie

2011-10-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Le Soraie is a delicious red wine from my local Italian deli, 'Licatas', I can't pronounce it of course but they don't seem to mind. Thank you so much everyone for attending the auction today, for bidding over the phone and online and for leaving such great commission bids! Thank you too Tres Chic & VintagExplore magazines xx so funny watching Jodie Brown bidding for the first time and the boss of Dreweatts saying "don't worry, we can sort it out later" to the room when she failed to find her paddle number....later she admitted to me that she was not even sure what she had won!! And wow, the saleroom was packed. Richard & Peter were excellent on the rostrum, making fun of my catalogue descriptions (stunning, incredible, fabulous, beautiful) and keeping it all going.... The antique Chinese textiles & fans sold for so much over the estimates it was embarrassing - £100 - 200 turned into £1,800.00 etc.... finally, I am so happy its all over, and that it was a success, now for another glass of wine and a massive sleep.
Love Samaya XXX

Manhole Fame...

2011-10-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the auction! I can finally start to relax and enjoy tomorrow - I am so excited, there are tons of bids already....my friend Anna from Wales is coming just for fun, she is just back from Spain and was impressed to see my name all over town, well almost, on every manhole cover....hum. The viewings on Saturday and today have been MENTAL, so many people, also the emails for condition reports and more images have been non stop...you can watch the auction live online tomorrow at 10:30 am:
http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/dreweatts-bristol-salerooms-the-apsley-road-saleroom/catalogue-id-2825204
The Vivienne Westwood portraits already have bids on them...full report here when I have recovered....I am booking Thursday off for a serious pampering day, sauna, pedicure, haircut....to be honest its been rather horrible feeling rough, tired, with static / greasy hair (it never behaves) and bags under my eyes....luckily the photo of me in Vintage Explorer magazine was taken when I was super relaxed and salon fresh.....and perhaps it was about 2 years ago too....hahahaha! Frock Me was so good yesterday, my mum came to help me (thank you Mum, I really needed the support xx) we sold nearly all my 1920s pieces so I am planning lovely buying trips to restock.....Love Samaya xxxx

Seven Days to Go......

2011-10-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Vintage Fashion Auction (sale day 18th October!) is getting lots of attention, buyers are coming to see the Alexis Kirk collection on Friday and then the main viewing days are Saturday, Monday & Tuesday before the sale starts. Today me, Liz, Sara & Annie arranged the rails, jewellery and accessories - its nearly ready to view already - just need Kim to come in tomorrow and steam the creased pieces and tag up the lots....I cannot wait now, what a build up. We have buyers registering to bid from all over the world, and so many left bids, I am extremely excited to see what happens - There are a few very interesting antique Chinese textiles, lot number 91 seems to be getting a lot of interest...perhaps I should go back to school to study this area.....for now I am looking forward to a lovely rest in Cornwall for the half term...X Love Samaya
PS: The Chanel Bag sold for £8500.00 on Monday!

The Vintage Fashion Catalogue is Live...

2011-10-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone x as promised here is the link to the Vintage Fashion Auction catalogue online! http://www.dnfa.com/bristol/ Do email me or the sale room for any further information....now to lay it all out in the sale room....the fun bit. Love Samaya X

Meltdown on a Tuesday...

2011-09-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

Today was absolutely mad. My lovely Liz Van Hasselt, are you sure you want my job? I had so many (more!!!) things to sort out for the online Vintage Fashion catalogue that I thought I might pop, then I have builders & locksmiths at my flat 'doing things' and phoning me every half hour to ask questions....then the person supposed to collect my son from school FORGOT so at 4.15pm I noticed several missed calls from the school....then I did pop, had a small cry and shouted a bit at everyone on the phone and everyone at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury in general, they were exceptionally good about it, I even got a hug. Luckily my appointment in London called to say lets do it tomorrow instead...we then finished the images for the catalogue and the sale is loading to the website as I write this...I will put the link here when its definitely live! When I got back to my Mum's house (whilst the builders do things) I poured a glass of wine into a tea cup (looks innocent that way to other slightly judgemental sorts) and went to the park with my son to watch him do amazing stunts on the BMX, I feel much, much better now. I'm also off to London on Thursday, for the preview of the Luxury Sale - I wish I could have made it to the Liz Taylor preview on Saturday! Louise went along and saw the huge diamond rings....imagine marrying the same man 4 times...hahahahaha! Slightly mad and manic laughter. The Angel Jackson party was good last Saturday! I love this new collection more than any other they have done, large fold over soft leather clutch bags....the olive green one is on my list. (http://www.angeljackson.com) Here is a photo of another incredible neck piece & earrings from the Duchess of Windsor collection.......Love Samaya X

London Fashion Week & Angel Jackson...

2011-09-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

I am gutted that I missed Kinder Aggugini's (http://www.aggugini.com/) runway show at LFW yesterday - but glad that Charlene went in my place; she took photos, sat next to famous and beautiful women and ate my gingerbread man out of MY goodie bag (as well as her own)...I think in place of lunch, hahaha, but she did bring back the other things...thank you Char x. I am still doing The Vintage Fashion Sale catalogue, bitten off slightly more than I can chew here to be honest. The time it takes is unbelievable. There were supposed to be other auction bodies working on this too but they are busy with their own sales / holidays / illnesses so I am doing my best - and to be fair I am still getting plenty of help from the lovely Dreweatts staff though (I think I must ask about 179 questions on average per day). So tonight at home, nice and quiet, I put the sale in order: Victorian, Edwardian, Lace, Costume, Fans, Shawls, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, furs, 1980s, Eastern & Chinese textiles, The Alexis Kirk Collection, Accessories, Jewellery, 1920s, 1930s, Couture & Designer...phew....I am going to treat myself to a night out! This Saturday Angel Jackson are holding their 'moving showrooms' / LFW party in London, Sylvie and me are heading up and staying over...I am thinking of DJing (disco) but only if I get time to put a set together, Katie lets me and IF someone nice lends me a few records...mine are all over the place : - ). I will put a link to the catalogue for you all once its live....Love Samaya X PS: Another of Wallis Simpson's (Duchess of Windsor) Art To Wear Necklaces pictured here, designed by Alexis Kirk - in the Luxury Sale. How can I let Madonna know?

The Luxury Sale is live...

2011-09-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Phew! There are now 510 lots in the Vintage Fashion Auction, it should be live for viewing online by next Friday the 23rd...meanwhile The Luxury Sale catalogue is ready! The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, collection by Alexis Kirk is now ready for viewing online along with other wonderful pieces. Take a peek if you like, its a PDF download file on the link below, it is such a beautiful catalogue! I am having another crazy but fun week, sleeping is not easy with the amount in my head...I will update the blog in full asap....good to see everyone at Hammersmith this Sunday! Now to get ready for Fashion Week...I can't go til Tuesday....last minute as always.

http://www.dnfa.com/eastbourne/auctions.asp?view=saledetails&aucno=13473&avail=0

I listed this dress on ebay and it has 49 watchers....I wonder what it will sell for?! Not sure about ebay, lots of questions to answer and then it may sell for the starting price...ouch!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1950s-Emerald-Green-Frothy-Tulle-Net-Prom-Dress-/250889236433?pt=UK_Women_s_Vintage_Clothing&hash=item3a6a29efd1

Love Samaya xx

Vintage Explorer

2011-08-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Karyn from Vintage Explorer contacted me ages ago (well, July) to talk about the Vintage Fashion Auction and possibly featuring it in her new magazine - coming out in September (there is already an antique explorer) and now there is to be a 3 page article all about it and our image on the cover! The press coverage should be very good anyway with all the amazing pieces in so far...I am having to say 'no' to most of the stuff coming in now (unless its amazing - like the bright pink Ossie Clark dress yesterday, estimated £100 - 150.00) as it's getting TOO big...Sadly a few of the Pirate collection (1981 Vivienne Westwood) pieces have been withdrawn, the house of Westwood bought them direct - they are always looking for authentic Westwood as fakes are everywhere. Damien Hirst famously bought £80,000 pounds worth of Vivienne Westwood only to be told by Malcolm Mclaren that they were ALL copies. Maybe I should show them my Kieth Haring Westwood coat and Nostalgia of Mud collection.... Meanwhile the catalogue is looking amazing. It is going to be a really unique chance to get hold of true vintage pieces at really good prices - I am expecting a lot of collectors, women shopping for themselves, costume jewellery people as well as dealers....The Victorian and Edwardian pieces are exquisite, the flapper dresses are unreal and the Alexis Kirk collection is my absolute favorite...its so stylish, timeless and so well crafted, but also there are boxes of little lace collars, silk velvet green & purple 1920s capes... There are also big plans for the art to wear pieces that Alexis Kirk made for Wallace Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, (they will be sold in the Bloomsbury / London Luxury Accessories Sale) - I can't tell you what they are yet but fingers crossed by Friday all will be revealed........I am working with the lovely ladies at Dreweatts to get this catalogue fully illustrated and live online by the 18th of September so everyone will have a full month to go through it and decide what to go for.....more soon! Love Samaya XXX

Back from Paris...and Wales

2011-08-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Robert whisked us off on a surprise romantic trip to Paris last, a lovely drive there - albeit getting slightly lost and on the way back we 'denied' a lift to a couple of backpackers, then made jokes about them all the way home, I still feeling a bit guilty now, sorry backpackers but romantic trips do not include hitchhikers.... We stayed at the Hotel Amour (http://www.hotelamourparis.fr/) just off 'Rue des Martyrs' - its lovely but NOT for children!. We did not do much really apart from walk miles, eat & drink and wonder around the very quiet (August) flea markets. I found some lovely things as usual, including a c1923 headdress from the Moulin Rouge, amazingly scull / helmet shaped and encrusted with paste stones....beautiful. Back in the new office now, bustling about with the to-do list and my new assistant Charlene Lim - Welcome aboard Charlene! Charlene is working on the new website - making look a hundred times better and sorting the showroom out too...xx We had a visit from Maggie today, she's looking for some 1950s & 1970s mens' suits for the TV show, 'Being Human'. Always a pleasure to see Maggie - she made a personal purchase while she was browsing our rails too - a 1940s crepe leaf print dress with lovely panelling down the bodice and very a flattering cut. The weekend just gone was spent in rainy Wales with a few family members, it was a rather awful trip, almost from hell, a van slid down the hill and crashed our tents (luckily no one was inside them) and then me and my mum had a 'spat' the next day. I said something horrible like "I am never coming camping with you again". It was a full moon though so I will blame it all on that....aside from the camp 'vibes', me, my brother and little Robert surfed at least twice a day and the waves were excellent. More soon! Love Samaya & Charlene xxx

Ella Here...

2011-07-20T03:05:00.000-07:00

Im ella samaya's step daughter, working with the vintage queen samaya , looking through grazia magazine there are so many great styles which inspire me and in my opinion this year is defiantly all about mixing things up! i just found a amazing black 80's dress LBD (little black dress) on page 58 grazia , i'm really into this kinda style of dress i think its really nicely styled. Dress's like this with the beautiful neck design really work for me , the design is simple but interesting! im wearing my red buttoned up shirt , i just tried to get a picture of it but the websites broke GREAT! but i can tell u it is really nice, i cut the cleves off and button it all the way up its quite thin material not to thin actually, i bought it the other day from one of my favorite shops MOTEL ROCKS, which do vintage clothing but mostly 80's styles!

Back To Earth With Slight Bump

2011-07-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Motherhood is amazing, it really sorts you out. Just when you think you have it all going good and things are fine your child will let you know that actually you are being an idiot and not paying enough attention to what is real and important. Thank you Robert xx and sorry I have been so distracted. I met briefly with Shannon and Jon from New York Vintage two weeks ago on a day when I was really missing my son; they bring their two girls with them everywhere and even have a play room for them at their showrooms, this is how I am going to do things from now on. Just a few days away in NYC and then a sad trip up to Scotland for my beautiful Grandpa's funeral last week has made us lose touch a bit here and today is the first normal good family day I have had in weeks. Tomorrow I am contacting all the applicants from my gumtree advert for an assistant, there is so much to do here and I need some help! Plus I need a car and a big work space would be good too....hum. Here is Francesca in an Edwardian lace bodice and 1940s shorts....Love Samaya

Oops hangover on my shopping day...

2011-06-28T08:51:00.001-07:00

Just back from Macy's...got my boy some amazing clothes and some huge lolly pops....Due to still being a bit jet lagged I awoke at 6 am and got ready to go for the shops...had a bad start really with the first negative thing at the hotel, the coffee was luke warm, and then the waiter had a go at me for sitting down at a table before being shown to one...I was already feeling delicate and missing my little Robert so this silly thing made me leave immediately...then I headed out far too early (everything closed) and as I crossed 6th Avenue a guy shouted 'fat ass' at me!!!!! Goodness. Well, I assumed he was talking to me...so anyway, I cheered up after going to Starbucks - big queue and you have to shout your order in front of everyone...they did not understand the way I said 'double shot soya latte' and I had to shout it three times! Last night was such fun too, worth the headache..Lisa Kirk took me out to dinner at Ma Peche, then to the Oak Bar at The Plaza for drinks and then on to TAO for more drinks...she got us talking to nearly everyone...and nearly into a 'night club' bus headed for a house music venue - glad we did not get in as I had had enough! Is there still enough time to do the Empire State, Central Park, 5th Avenue, NY Vintage and the East Side shops? And what about my hair appointment I forgot to sort out? Back to good old Hobbs I reckon.... Love Samaya xxxx

Oh its brilliant here...

2011-06-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I want to come back here asap - the atmosphere is so good, I have to stop myself grinning down the street listening to people talking in their accents....my current dream is to rent an 'apartment' here for August. I just finished two very intense days - sorted through maybe 40 boxes of jewellery and belts, buckles and straps, sorted out VAT, shipping and listed them all (65 lots of over 5 pieces per lot...this auction is going to be 'unreal' ha ha, in my cheesy NYC voice. Oh my goodness, the pieces are really really really good, I have just had a Mojito so bear with me...the Duchess of Windsor must have had incredible style, some of her pieces are not really necklaces, more like body sculpture / art, I can't wait to show them off- and they are in their original dark red leather boxes with white silk lining...with her initials on of course...just off now for dinner with my friends, they want to meet me on the corner of 6th & 29th facing East, ha ha, what the hell does that mean? Actually its really easy to find my way around here - I had a peek of the Empire State yesterday, its not that big!!! Brandon Hill (Clifton baby) tower is the same size....so tomorrow I am free free to go and look around - going to Soho, then hair cut at 'Tommy Guns' - hum, then the vintage shops.... ooh, and by the way this hotel is ACE ( like its name ) the staff are so helpful and patient...and they hold my drink for me while I go outside to have a secret smoke...breakfast is INCREDIBLE - but get this, my trousers are falling down tonight - must have been to busy to eat or all the sweating is making me thinner....love it and Love you all, Samaya X ps this is the sand at WSM as I have not downloaded any NYC pictures yet! Nice.

New York Here I Come!

2011-06-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, only just realised I needed to apply for a visitors visa online - said it needed 72 hours and my flight is in less than 24...I went for it anyway and luckily it was approved immediately, THANK YOU ! Now to bath my boy, he has seaweed in his hair and salty skin from surfing for hours. We only got back from Cornwall this afternoon - it was so lovely, wild and some sunshine, our faces are brown at least....so, I am off to New York to meet Lisa Kirk, an amazing artist and daughter of my favorite jewellery designer, Alexis Kirk, she has his entire collection and is putting some of it into my auction in October - its too exciting for words really (for me anyway) as some of it belonged to the Duchess of Windsor (Wallace Simpson) in the late 1960s - I will put images up as soon as I have them. I am also meeting up with New York Vintage, looks like they have an amazing store - have a peek: http://newyorkvintage.com/ I think I will wear this bracelet the whole time - if I don't get a rash from it...xx Love Samaya

New York!

2011-06-16T02:56:00.000-07:00

I am off to New york for the first time! So excited - I am meeting a lovely lady out there who has her dad's collection of costume jewellery from the 1960s and 1970s and bringing it back for auction here in the UK in October - its a little bit secret now so I wont mention names yet but its going to be AMAZING! But right now I am packing for Cornwall - we have a week in a weird cottage on the coast - still have to sort out the cat sitter, find spare keys, find the wetsuits....and food shop and somehow be here when the couriers come to get my headdresses - they are off to New York too - to a very nice store....so much has been going on here - I have had no time to blog - Hammersmith and Frock me earlier this month were brilliant, I went out for a day trip with Pearl Lowe, we went to a fantastic little textile fair and found beautiful things...I also went to horrible Thorpe Park, madness, I definitely missed my rollercoaster window as was so scared I yelled "let me off" when the seatbelt things came down on the one ride I did try to go on...my step daughter Ella was so embarrassed - she remained po faced through the whole ride on her own! Ah, now it is my turn to be ashamed of eh Mum? xxxx Love Samaya

Beth Bullock

2011-05-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

I finally accept I am getting older now, I have a hangover from nearly no drinks (just one beer and a glass of champers) and I also took my apron to the family party (last night) to help clear up afterwards...and then I strained my neck whilst doing air guitar (wearing apron). Arnica and ibruprufen are fixing me up nicely today. We (my sister and brother in law) booked a musician called Beth Bullock to play - she was fantastic, sang her heart out during 2 sets on the little stage Jim built in the garden...the bigger boys of my family were trying to get her chatting after her set but she left barefoot and mysterious and went off home...http://www.myspace.com/bethbmusic. Here is a little picture of her...from my phone so not the best. Now getting ready for Hammersmith as I am off for half term surfing in Devon, if the weather gets better that is - if anyone would like free tickets do email me as usual x Love Samaya

Portia Freeman...

2011-05-26T12:08:00.001-07:00

Blogger extraordinaire, http://talesofendearment.blogspot.com/ has blogged about the model and muse Portia Freeman this week - and included pictures of her wearing my vintage pieces - thank you Natalie! x The little cape has sold already....its been a mad day today - Evie started taking the catalogue photos for the next Vintage Fashion Auction - its looking very, very good. We fell in love with a black silk jersey Zandra Rhodes, it has a high neck, is backless, draped and ruched in all the right places and has a paste studded collar and quilted satin waistband...it looks so good on the mannequin - would be even better on a real woman. We also loved the 1920s beaded dress with full beaded fringe skirt, and oh! the Edwardian coat with huge collar and kimono shaped sleeves! Its going to be an amazing catalogue. And then (even though I am premenstrual and sleepy as a sloth) I got home and made a quiche, from scratch - even the pastry, which I have to say is very easy - after all these years of buying it ready made too. More soon - Love Samaya X

The Red Aligator Chanel 2.55

2011-05-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

James Nicholson from Dreweatts has asked me if I'd like to work with him on his 'Luxury Accessories Sale' - to be held at the London Bloomsbury sale rooms in Mayfair, I said "yes" of course...I can't resist handbags....its a shame that the amazing Chanel bag I was looking at has gone to Kerry Taylor Auctions! I will be watching to see what it goes for....meanwhile I am off to yoga with my Ella tonight - first time for me in over a year and I can't wait. Love Samaya x

Success..

2011-05-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Fringe cut done, it looks very good, thank you Doug x. Chanel's new version of number 19 is not hitting the shops until July!!! I knew more about it than the lovely Chanel counter girls...so anyway, I am perfume - less for another few months, strangely I feel quite naked without perfume on. Robert and I cycled home from school today as well - and the fruit fast is going sort of well, I am blimmin hungry though. The pasta and pizza and chips boys around me are not a good influence, I am getting my will power together as it looks like we may be off to ITALY in August! And I bought some espadrilles! Here they are.....(click link) Aldo's is quite a good shop (just a rather silly name) and the girl who served me was very very good at sales, perhaps I should ask her to work with me on the stand?! http://www.aldoshoes.com/uk/women/sandals/wedges/84341151-fosse/37&flagid=wespadrilles Here is a picture of Kate Middleton's choice of espadrille....not my cuppa but look good on her!

More Espadrille Notes..

2011-05-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

How good does this espadrille extract sound?!! Amazing what you find when you get googling.

"his fragile white espadrilles hugging the Earth as if his feet held the perfect memory of each stone and patch of dirt"

(from: http://www.journeyswithsoul.com/sacredsprings.html )

Now I want some fragile white ones...

Fruit Fast...

2011-05-18T03:55:00.000-07:00

Hum, well its only midday and its already hard to ignore the fresh bread and cheese around here! Last night was my sisters birthday do -we all had amazing curries with all the naan type extras. I was so stuffed I could'nt even eat the cake....So I took action! Cycled with Robert to school and then went on a 5 mile ride in the rain, came home and decided to just eat fruit for the day. Feel better already - managed to read The Times Style magazine finally yesterday and it said ' no more putting it off, the bikini regime starts today' and they are blimmin right, I am away on a UK beach holiday for a week in June and I know I will feel very self conscious if I am not at least a bit toned....you can't wear a wetsuit the whole time you know. By the way! The flyers for the Vintage Fashion Auction are beautiful - if anyone would like an email version do let me know xx. Frock Me was great on Sunday, busy in the morning, when it quietened down I went around shopping for my friends, I love my iphone - just text a picture or two and a price and then chase your mates for the money when you get home, not a pinch of profit in these sales mind but it is good for my mum friends who can't always get a day off on a Sunday to peruse the fairs...I am off now to do some auction work and also to have my fringe cut AND to try out this new No 19 Chanel fragrance....lets hope Bristol has some of it, so annoying that our Harvey Nics has hardly any nice stuff, apparently we Bristol women don't want to buy YSL, Lanvin or Prada shoes...?!! We do occasionally spend money on fashion here! I may also try on some espadrilles, (the ones above are traditional ones from the Andes!) I keep toying with the idea them every year, I think the styles around now are quite classic so I will give them a go...More later! Love Samaya xxx

Hello Janet xxx

2011-05-11T04:25:00.000-07:00

Frome Vintage Bazaar was excellent - thank you Liz & Claire for organizing such a brilliant event. Lots of work on - the auction flyers are finished (finally) and they are arriving today - fingers crossed they are perfect in print....I am in the sale room for the next two days sorting out all the pieces that have come in for our October 18th sale - a friend of mine is dropping of a box of childrens wear from the early 1900s, it is all so sweet, one piece has 'my darling' embroidered on it and it makes me want to cry for some reason. I was at a big antique fair last week buying - a woman came up to me and asked if I would mind having my photo taken for BBC Homes and Antiques magazine (it will be out early July!) It turned out we knew each other via email, hello Rosanna! I posed for the pictures and funnily the photographer said 'chin up' like the last photographer I had to 'pose' for, what is it about my poor chin? They wanted to see what I had bought....a lame lace shawl...1930s hat...and some amazing garden chairs...my friend Elena was with me - such fun to go antique shopping with friends, seem to give you more confidence to haggle and also to walk away from things you definitely do not need...I have also been hunting around for some YSL heels, there are so many to choose from (I want the pony skin pattern 80 ones) BUT! The sizing comes up bigger so I must sneak out of Frock Me this Sunday and run down to YSL (in flats) on Sloane Sq to try some on - so excited, this will be my first pair of YSLs. Hammersmith was good last Sunday, but I chose the wrong day to have a double stand! Ouch. So, now off upstairs to go through all the new stock for Frock Me....this Sunday at Chelsea Town Hall from 11 am - do email me as usual if you would like a free ticket. x Love Samaya

Vintage Bazaar In Frome!

2011-04-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Ooh I have had a lovely day sorting out all my stock for the Vintage Bazaar, this Saturday 30th April in Frome - I went to look last time and it is a very beautiful fair, not just vintage fashion but antique and vintage homeware, mirrors, haberdashery and much more, here is a link to their website...http://thevintagebazaar.blogspot.com/ Here is another picture from the shoot...I love them all, this is a 1930s Kimono (Haori) in thick silk, a 1940s wide snakeskin belt and a crazy antique asian necklace on her head....
Lots going on this weekend, a funeral of an inspirational friend, Gill Hodder, tomorrow, she has been a vintage costume collector all her life I think, I have been buying from her since I was 14 years old....she will be missed for more than her vintage that is for sure. Then THE wedding on Friday, Frome Vintage Bazaar Saturday and Joey's birthday party on Saturday night...thank goodness its Bank Holiday again....XX Love Samaya

Rudy coming home!

2011-04-25T02:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I think Rudy can come home today, he has spent a long few weeks coughing in the children's hospital but he is getting better and better everyday. Thank Goodness. School starts again tomorrow so I am getting ready for a week of intensive work - looking forward to it, I have to make the new auction flyers with our amazing images and get ready for the Vintage Bazaar, next Saturday in the Cheese and Grain in Frome...for full details do email me! Also, Joey is coming over from France for her birthday (also Saturday) and we are all going to a party in the countryside...an adult party for once....here is another image from the shoot with Jasmine, Chris, Lou and Inma....More soon xx Love Samaya

New Pictures!

2011-04-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

Ooh I love this picture! Its from a shoot Ruined Lou did for me on Tuesday with clothes chosen by me...pictures by Chris Lucas and hair and make up by Inma.....model Jasmine! full links to these creative persons coming in next blog xx as well as full selection of images xx Love Samaya

Cee Lo Green

2011-04-14T02:59:00.000-07:00

Rob and I went to see Cee Lo Green live last night, he was fantastic - I bet his album sales do well in Bristol today - his band are ALL GIRLS, if you did not know that already. And good looking ones too, think Charlies Angels, and last night they were wearing skin tight red catsuits. At one point the guitarist (long flowing brunette hair, made to look even more incredible by a wind machine) came centre stage to do a bit of a solo, I had a sidelong glance at Rob and he was transfixed (well, we all were really) so I lost it a bit and said in a strong Bristol accent: "You wish she was your girlfriend innit?". He sheepishly said 'Well they do all look good don't they?". Ha ha, I am not really jealous. On the way out of the house I had felt like a super stylish person, wearing my All Saints black dress, faded skin tight jeans and little beaded cardigan with quilted clutch and crocodile shoes...part vintage / part high street, but when those ladies came out on stage I felt almost like I was in office worker gear....we had to wait 2 hours standing around for Cee Lo to start, it was worth it though, he has such a great voice and did all the well known songs as well as other brilliant numbers.....not room to dance though, one woman next to me kept knocking my arm and I thought "If she takes any beads of my cardigan I am going to elbow her" off the platform we were standing on, I myself am only 5' 4 and she told me herself that her height was 5'2....today i am going to war against the cats using my garden as a litter tray, black pepper and perhaps something stronger from B&Q. Love Samaya XXX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCQlVPZ8Q_o&feature=relmfu

The Danger Of Vintage Work Wear

2011-04-12T06:50:00.001-07:00

I treated myself to a 1930s nurse's uniform on Sunday at Hammersmith, I tried it on and loved it...when I got home and tried it on again I looked like a nurse, a scary old fashioned one too...the only way I think it can be worn is if I add spiky heels (Gucci patent ones) and a big clutch...I wanted to wear it with jeans and sneakers but I am straight out of 'The English Patient' if I do...Rob did my stand for me at Frock Me and did not sell much but luckily Hammersmith was super busy. Little one is still in hospital so we are not going away this Easter break, maybe for day trips though! My friend Alice is at her lovely caravan in Wales, surfing with her sons, so me and little Rob will go there for a long day out. The Vintage Bazaar is coming up! Being held on the 30th April.... The last one was amazing, lots of affordable vintage and then a walk round Frome after to visit the many vintage shops...the fair is held in The Cheese & Grain in the middle of Frome, do email me for information xx Love Samaya

Joey The Naked Snowboarder

2011-04-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Just had a lovely talk with my friend Joey this evening. She is quite frankly brilliant and mad, lives in Chamonix and snowboards...she recently went in a 'naked' costume, made from hosiery flesh coloured fabric (with lots of pubic & underarm hair added), to a 1960s fancy dress party. While other women were looking pretty and typically bohemian with flowers in their hair etc, Joey (who turned up alone and did not drink as she had to drive home later) proceeded to stomp about as a muscle happy nudist hippy, got to the final 3, won the dance competition on a little stage (by knocking the others out of the way with hip swinging moves) and took home the prize of a brand new snowboard.....I love you Joey xx (if you are reading this please send me a photo!!) Here she is headed up the slopes...

My industrious (and unlikely) plans for tonight are to get everything properly ready for Frock Me and Hammersmith, load up some new pieces of jewellery to the website and then have a nice bath, if just part of this plan happens I will be very happy. Bonsoir xx Samaya

Nice and Calm...

2011-04-04T04:48:00.001-07:00

We have worked out a rota for looking after the ill babies and for cooking food for my sister so now I feel nice and calm. Catherine and I are getting out all the stock for Frock Me and Hammersmith tomorrow, they are both on the 10th of April! As usual do email me for a free ticket or if you would like me to bring anything from the website to try on....My friend Louise (she sells amazing jewellery next door to me at Hammersmith) is bringing me a pair of orange Hermes sandals to try on....I have loved them for a few months now...I hope they fit as I plan to wear them with everything, everyday until they fall apart. Here's to a good week ahead and speedy recovery for my little nephews. Here is a picture of Francesca wearing my Ossie Clark... xxx Love Samaya

Jammin' Session At My House...

2011-04-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

Little Rob and his mate Rueben are here 'jammin' on the drums and guitar, its very loud but they sound pretty good - Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath tunes blaring, some strange amp called and 'orange crush' making it all distorted....Its been a crazy, mad and emotional week, cycling up and down to the hospital to give food to my sister Jo- she is still in there looking after little Rudy who is not yet better and it breaks my heart to see him all pale and weak. Meanwhile, little Rob got pushed around at school, this time by a boy 4 years older, my little brother had a car crash (unhurt thank goodness) and then (only a small thing really but hurt feelings none the less) as I was getting home on my bike last night a gang of 5 thugs (I am getting old) were coming down MY road and one of them got in my way (there was plenty of room) and called me a very, very, very rude word. I was bursting to say something back but glad I did not. I had an angry cry when I got home, big Rob made me laugh about it and gave me a whiskey. End of moan. Otherwise all is well here, my spring wardrobe is all cleaned, shoes are mended, basics added to and its all looking great. To get some relief from the real world, messing about with clothes is perfect, there is some strange comfort in having plenty of good things to wear. I did squeeze in some fun things this week...Sylvie took me and our other old friend Katie out for dinner at Bells Diner (bottom of my road, no driving, safe to wear high shoes, beautiful waitress...) (http://www.bellsdiner.com/) on Wednesday night, such lovely food - thank you again Sylvie xxx I ate wood pigeon for my main course, never had it before & it was very red - I had to look away to eat it, such a wuss. The next morning I awoke to the sound of my own garden wood pigeons hooting away in their tree. Never again I promise. Love Samaya XXX

Message to Rudy

2011-03-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

My amazing sister & little nephew Rudy get a special mention today as he is in hospital again at only 12 weeks old, with whooping cough, oh, he is so sweet, he even smiles in between coughing fits. The nurses & doctors are extremely kind & look after him so well, he has a little oxygen machine to keep him topped up and is going to be home soon.
Catherine & I did manage to do a bit of work today with all the family things going on...here is a necklace just loaded up to my (well not just mine) other website...w ww.vintageseekers.com
Love Samaya X

New Dresses....

2011-03-28T01:30:00.001-07:00

My big step daughter (21 years old) is coming up to see us today! ITs a busy Monday though, some how will fit it all in, have 2 phone meetings after lunch and several piles of notes to sort out...hum, wish Catherine could be here today....I am going to start loading these up today! so excited - lovely pictures by Evie - for now do contact me to get size information etc xx

Thank you Muriel

2011-03-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Just back from doing my stand at Bath Vintage Fair, not sure why I bothered as I only sold ONE DRESS!! It was fun though, I had a great outfit on (baggy Topshop pegs, vintage beaded cardy, silk camisole and super (almost dustbin ready really) scruffy brogues...it worked well...I shared a stand with my friend Catherine and we could take turns to look around and did plenty of talking....and politely argued about a few things we both wanted to buy! Another friend passed by for a chat about bullies, turns out her (beautiful and successful) daughter was bullied relentlessly through school, her feelings are that the bullies are unhappy in themselves and mainly jealous of the child they choose to 'bully'. My supposedly secret USA source was there at Bath too - selling to all! Luckily they brought a bag over especially for me to look through, I bought an incredible couture suit (1953 ish) and a couple of beautiful dresses and a fantastic linen jacket from 1880 in MINT condition xx thank you guys. Thank you too for your comments Muriel - it seems to be getting better having spoken to all the parents and teacher, here's to a good week ahead for my son - I am strike ONE. Love Samaya xxxx

Bullies

2011-03-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

If I were being bullied at school, with all that I know at my ripe age of 35, I am still not sure I could make it any better for myself.....my little boy has been having a hard time the last three weeks fitting back into his class after our time away. Today his teacher rang me and said we have to help him as he is stuck on getting 'back together' with his best friends - they don't want to know and are visibly enjoying his misery. Its been a painful night telling him he has to pretend not to care and shrug it off and move on etc. I feel like we have to condition our kids to be tough and hide feelings at school and then as adults we are supposed to be sensitive and show how we really feel in relationships...bah and other stronger words. I tried to cheer him up with "at least your mum has a decent wardrobe" jokes but is has not gone down well. More stock shoots tomorrow and another one to one lesson at the apple shop - I like the whizz kids in there. Love Samaya xxx

Leapfrog

2011-03-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

I have a stock photo shoot going on here tomorrow with Evie and my new assistant Catherine, just getting out all the new stock and wishing I could keep it all as usual...and seriously hoping it makes it onto the website this time before it sells.....On Friday night my mum, me and the boys hit Weston Super Mare for some outrageously good fish (Papa's fish bar) and chips and a walk on the beach...I joined my son in some leapfrogging over the beach posts, managed 2 perfect examples but on the third my hands seemed to be trapped between my frog legs and I did a face plant onto hard sand, twisting right arm in strange way...my family had a good laugh til realizing I had really hurt myself, then I spent 4 blimming hours in A&E having Xrays - but phew, only strained not broken! So - here are a few pictures of pieces I will hopefully have loaded up tomorrow....Love Samaya x

Goodbye suntan...

2011-03-14T02:40:00.000-07:00

Lovely Linda sent me this picture of us leaving our island last week (I am the one with 2 arms in the air) - or is it now 2 weeks ago? More later about Hammersmith and beyond! xx Love (pale) Samaya

Birthday Party in our yard...

2011-03-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! Its my sons 9th Birthday (well, yesterday) and we are having

a party tonight - three of his friends are sleeping over (yikes) and

several members of the family are coming as well as some

neighbours....we are having a big fire in the garden (sort of a yard at present)

decks are set up for a loud

disco and I just have to clear up some

cat pooh from the yard, make

a humous and hey presto! Party Time....and I baked some

brick like cakes too....luckily everyone knows about my

baking skills already. xx see you Sunday at Hammersmith x

Love Samaya ps: not sure why this text is all over the place!

The Geek In Me

2011-03-08T07:26:00.001-08:00

I have discovered that I am a geek at heart, an Applemac geek that is, and one who does not know much about ram, plugins, software, (hardware even) and such things but one that greatly appreciates the sleek cold feel of a new Macbook Pro, the smallness of an Air and the flowing touch screen of my iphone! I must ask my little Rob to show me how it works now as I keep calling people by mistake and the touch key board is so sensitive its like a premenstrual dictionary. While I was waiting for my Mac to be fixed by the wonderful man in the apple shop I popped to All Saints...I have not bought anything in there in the last 3 or 4 years but yesterday they had a dress that I know I will wear and wear so I bought it in black and in a muted print, such a good shape and can be worn over jeans and vests with jackets and sneakers or proper shoes and bare (bear) legs in summer...oh summer, my spring wardrobe is very strange. Since getting home to a huge drop in temperature I have been wearing terrible combos, basically leggings, thermal tops, big bobbly jumpers and ankle boots...not quite ready to have a sort out as I am looking at piles of things I need to arrange for the Hammersmith vintage fair this Sunday! I have an 'intern' starting tomorrow - this is going to be fantastic, her name is Catherine and I have worked with her before on the auction. She is very clever, beautiful and I have great hopes for what I can achieve with some support. First of all I am going to ask her to upload all the new stock to the website and Vintage Seekers (www.vintageseekers.com) and then ask if she can come to London with me on Sunday to help on the stand....fingers crossed for a very productive near future. Here is my dress......xx I shall wear on Sunday with a vintage 1940s cardigan and some weird shoes....Love Samaya

ZOOM

Home Sweet Home

2011-03-03T00:38:00.001-08:00

Thank goodness we are home - Bangkok is amazing but totally mad and I caught the worst cold ever from going on and off the sky train and in and out of taxis - they have the coldest ever air conditioning I have ever experienced. We stayed in a brilliant and luxury hotel 'The Bell Aire Princess' and the welcome and treatment they gave us was perfect, the rooms were lovely (and you can control the aircon easily - ie turn it off) the food was excellent and the pool was delicious after a day marching around markets.....but perhaps not the best place to stay with a child as after dark it becomes a red light area, lots of women from around the world touting their skills in very explicit ways - we ended up covering Rob's eyes a few times and then not bothering going out after 7 pm. He asked me this too: "Mum, why are there lots of old white men with young pretty Thai girlfriends?" I managed to say something like Thailand is quite a poor country and the girls need money for their families and the older men are rich and help them....oh dear, later I thought of better ways to explain but it was hard. Children really do see everything and ask very poignant & difficult questions....we even saw a western beggar which confused me and I gave him som money! He was saying "got any spare change mate?" it was surreal - the Thai's around him were laughing hard saying "farrang mung" which we took to mean foreign beggar...but anyway, its very good to be home - even with this cold - I have a lot of new stock that has arrived while I was away and its fantastic! 1970s Lanvin dresses, huge tribal art necklaces from Rajasthan...hats galore and a floral 1970s Ossie Clark is on its way too - I am selling it on behalf of a charity....good news about the auction too - it was such a success that me and Malcolm Claridge & Mary McCarthy (of Dreweatts) are now planning a "Punk Sale", due to take place in early October - we have some incredible pieces to start it off - it will be art and fashion and music and though I am too young to have really been there Malc is older (he he) so he really know the era and was a punk himself...more later xx am off to get my iphone. Love Samaya

Bangkok....

2011-02-27T02:26:00.000-08:00

Still no images - will get some loaded up as soon as I get home! Bangkok is so so mad, huge and polluted but INCREDIBLE, the people are so brilliant - especially the taxi drivers...we are not doing too well with the buying we wanted to do, 8 year old boys just want to stay poolside and eat room service ("mum, I don't want to see another bowl of rice EVER or a fried fish and Bangkok is horrible and and and") plus its so dusty out on the streets even your teeth get covered if you are smiling alot....tonight we are headed to the river (there are ferries every 5 minutes up and down to night markets and food markets) to get some air and go to some antique fairs....on Saturday we went to the famous Chatuchat market...so big that it has its own map (Nancy Chandler maps quite good but not up to date as I found out after a few frustrating hours). The vintage shop I wanted to visit is not there anymore and most of the stuff for sale is your average t shirts, sarongs and weird wooded frogs....hey, we had our first family holiday row on Friday when we arrived - cor it was not pretty, big Rob caused little Rob to run in a panic through the turnstile at the Sky Train station and get caught in the gate and told off by a warden and to top it all off hurt himself as well, I called Big Rob a bad name in front of little Rob (sorry) and he shouted his head off at the nice peaceful sky train platform....little Rob then told us to shut our gobs (exact words) and we all sulked for a while and then realized we had not eaten hardly or drank any water..once we had replenished ourselves all looked bright and bushy tailed again and off we went for supper.....we are back in the UK on Tuesday and I CANNOT WAIT - see my family, wear some different clothes and sleep in my own bed....love Samaya xxxx

Krabi Town tonight..Bangkok tomorrow!

2011-02-24T02:22:00.001-08:00

I have some amazing pictures but this computer will not let me use them!! Off to Stay in Bangkok tomorrow - just off to get the brown legs waxed in readiness for wearing pretty dresses rather than bikini and t-shirt dresses all the time....hope it does not wax off my tan! Quite homesick now and looking forward to some homecooked UK food - spoilt brat or what! love and more from Bangkok...Samaya xxx

2011-02-15T01:50:00.000-08:00

This is our beach.....rather fantastic even at low low tide
...there are more
around the bays but mostly we stay here as its
too hot to move most of the day...
am now looking forward to some air conditioned rooms in
Bangkok though! Big Rob hired us a motorbike but I think
riding thruogh the jungle is too much - its so bumpy
(tree roots) and sandy (he has to put his feet down)
plus the seat is not quite the right size for all 3 of us
...the road once you get on it is only 200 meters long
(the locals are making it longer every day) and then
its all dusty tracks..we went to an amazing party the
other night on the other side of the island - we went
by motorbike in the night, very dusty and dark...but
we were rewarded with live music, cocktails and a
big fire on the beach. I am wearing the same clothes
everyday - bikini and long vest dress followed by
evening wear of black loose top and trousers...all
I add is a huge silver necklace or big hoop earrings
and ta da! Evening wear...I forgot my make up
but it would probably slide off anyway....
also although I am turning brown I have mossy
bites nearly all over and sunrash...nice.
Love, Mojitos and sunsets, Samaya xxx

Hot hot hot

2011-02-08T02:29:00.000-08:00

WOW its so hot here - not to make anyone jealous but it only took 1 day for me to switch pace from city, auction, ill relatives and mad packing worried person to super relaxed, massaged, brown (ish) full belly, nice beer and happy human....my Nan went home after some checks, she has had a small tiny stroke and is fine now, so glad but ready to go home anytime if she goes back to hospital. Here is a bit about the journey that I scribbled in my notebook (real not cyber) on the way....no images as I am on internet cafe but do google koh jum island for a great website if you want to see the beaches where we are!

3/2/11 Bangkok airport, boys are doing my brain (or brian as i like to call him) in. I must stop smoking, its been four years since I have done a long flight and I forgot how ratty I get!! London to Bangkok was good really, I was a bit concerned about the age of the plane, there were ashtrays everywhere and no personal screens and lots of rattling, little Rob asked if it was a 'vintage plane'....hum. A loud Londoner behind us kept the poor couple seated next to him entertained with stories of his life all the way (10 hours) at one nicoteenless moment I nearly turned around and said "enough you silly man, can't you see we are trying to sleep?" Later the same day we took the domestic flight (still no cigarettes as Bangkok is suddenly a none smoking terminal) to Krabi and experienced the most terrifying landing ever - the 'driver' seemed to speed up when we were wobbling towards the ground and then banged us down like an angry wife serving dinner, I am ashamed to say that I shouted out : "Jesus Christ" (I don't usually) and was so relieved when we slowed and stopped in one piece - a ceiling panel next to us had fallen down and the airhostess shoved it back in place like it was normal - I asked her if everything was ok and she said "Old Plane New Pilot" in her lovely Thai voice. So another vintage plane. Robert (little) had been worried about the flight since we let him watch Castaway (Tom Hanks) so he was white as a sheet. Anyway, in one piece (or 3 pieces) we bussed it into Krabi Town, had some lunch and checked into a guest house (ChanCha Lay - six quid a night and you soon see why) I wore my new 'fit flops' and promptly gave them away to a Thai lady, they make your feet look horrid horrid horrid. Big Rob has already made friends with so many Swiss, Swedes, Germans and Thais that I can just lie in the hammock reading and looking out to sea where little Rob is kayaking around the bay...absolute bliss! Love Samaya xxxx

Still not packed...

2011-02-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

Phew, today was the day of the auction - it was brilliant - intense (well, for me anyway) and successful! Only a few unsold lots, some amazing bargains (two Thierry Mugler 1980s suits for £150.???!! wish I could have bidded on them) THE wedding dress went for over £3,000 and everyone enjoyed themselves...now I am trying to pack - people keep popping over...the housesitter has her keys and instructions...the phone keeps going, and worst of all my lovely 94 year old Nan has had a small stroke, now I am not sure if I am even going away....life is weird and sad and wonderful and full! I will write more when I am either on the beach or in Bangkok or up in Scotland depending on the phonecalls that come later xxx Love Samaya

Who is this? !! I want one!

2011-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness I love this designer! I want so to find out her or his name but the Thai Catwalk website is mostly in Thai...if anyone knows do email me! The dress below is brilliant too - not sure why the closed eyes but from the you tube film of the show she seemed to walk it with them closed too?!

Bangkok Fashion Week

2011-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

I am off to Bangkok in 3 days time my lovelies - I feel really really lucky to be going after the wind today, it was biting into my legs - had to go home and put on my cashmere harem pants (worn with little narrow black riding boots, a 1930s silk blouse and jacket... wow they are lovely and soft- here is where I got them half price in the sale!) : http://www.cocoacashmere.com/cashmere-bottoms

AND WOW! It was very busy today at the first viewing of the vintage fashion auction - Thank You everypne who came along xxx. Two lovely men from CNN were there filming (and interviewing) the whole time (Queen Mothers wedding dress prototype mainly but some of the Ossie Clarks and the Orange Biba dress too) I strode about with my measuring tape trying to answer all the emails that needed sizes / condition reports...we must be more thorough on the catalogue next time.....I think a lot of people just came to look at the rails as its the first time any thing like this has gone on in Bristol but I did see some very serious buyers and lots of bids were left at the end of the morning - now to pack my first aid kit for Thailand... XXX Love Samaya PS: So, Bangkok Fashion Week, sadly its not when I am there but in September - I would love to go - some of the pictures from last years catwalk look brilliant but this one made me laugh quite hard and loud when I saw it in amongst the others - it is totally mad, how did he sneak onto the runway?!!!???:

I am a (fairy) Godmother!

2011-01-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

I am a Godmother! To my nephew, Rudi, a very, very, proud one too. He is doing well now and his heart is being looked after xx. Also this week! I have been on the TV talking about the auction (you know, the vintage fashion auction on the 1st of February ! view catalogue here: http://www.dnfa.com/bristol/) it was quite funny and I loved it! The German TV interview was just practice for this LOCAL BBC news part - but I hated watching it back- my voice sounded so weird and my face looked strange too, my son kept staring at me when I got home afterwards!! Popped to Bath Vintage Fair today with my friend Catherine, it was great - gave out more flyers. Catherine bought herself an incredible 1930s floral dress (darn, she saw it first) and a 1930s cream skirt with massive front hip pockets (darn it again) and a wicked hat.... and bought myself a flame red silk flapper dress....and a lace & sequin flapper hat...and a 1940s jacket...and an Edwardian lawn dress ;-) Sugar, I am supposed to be saving my money for Thailand...which is coming up rather fast now - why oh why did I book our flights for the day after the auction? Now I have one mad week to get through, sure it will be fun but in future I am going to arrange a less hectic life / work balance. Boot camp is going well, I can finally see some firmness coming and feel like I can walk, er, tall in my bikini. Sneakily got myself the top tanning lotion and cheap sporty one for the boys, they wont mind xxx More soon! Love Samaya PS: This lovely 1920s Louis Vuitton Steamer Bag sold this week! More coming soon x

What a week!

2011-01-16T12:26:00.001-08:00

I still wish I had not sold this cape! Ah, anyway, what a week - my sisters new baby had to go to hospital with breathing difficulties and it turns out (after a harrowing 24 hours) that Rudy (his name at last!) has a hole in his heart BUT one that will mend itself and he is home and very happy. My lil Robert is still ill - no school for a week and not going in tomorrow either! Swine flu for sure, I have never seen him like this, weak and wobbly and hardly moving or eating...I have a been a good nurse and the house is very clean too after being in for a week solid. I did pop out on Friday to be interviewed ON THE TELLY, well, German TV, about the vintage auction! It was actually great fun, now I want my own program. The lady who interviewed me said afterwards not to worry (about what?) as it will be dubbed in German!! I guess my speedy and breathy voice for the first few minutes (til I started to relax and enjoy a huge camera in my face) sounded pretty bad. If I get the link to the clip I will post it for you to have a look at......hum. Went to a giant flea market today too, my lovely friend Sarah looked after Robert for me - I managed to find some excellent 1940s knits and some beautiful floral prints from the 1930s....no stalls now for me until March...Loads more to say but have to go check my boy! Love Samaya xxx

Fevers...mothers and work...

2011-01-10T06:16:00.000-08:00

I got home last night after Hammersmith (which was brilliant! loved having a double stand) and my little boy was lying shivering on the cushions by the fire with my mum - I put my cashmere jumper straight on him, thermal long johns and a hot water bottle and took him to bed - then I stayed to warm him up for a while - when I went back half an hour later to check on him he was roasting!! He stayed at a temperature 39.7 for about 4 hours until finally the paracetamol started to work....phew...its always the way I find, straight after the holidays when you have tons to do (an auction to arrange, a trip to Thailand to sort out, photoshoots to do and lots of web orders to send and accounts to finish!) that your child becomes ill, the school closes due to snow (last year) or something else to put giant spanner in the works. Ah that's life, I actually like it when he is home but wish he was not so hot and uncomfortable. More soon.....

January, don't be mean...

2011-01-07T01:33:00.001-08:00

January does not have the same depressing power as usual this year - I don't want to annoy anyone but I AM SO GLAD TO BE GOING AWAY! In 3 weeks I will be on the beach, drinking a freshly squeezed coconut and pineapple shake and watching my son snorkeling...I am going to try not to get to into reading this time, the last time we went I managed to read about 5 books a week and the boys were bored with me being lost in other worlds (Philip Pullman is not just for kids). The auction promotion is going well, thank you to all my friends and colleagues who have helped spread the news - I really really appreciate it. A lady from Kensington Palace has called in about the Queen Mothers wedding dress sample - this is the piece I predict will make the most money....then perhaps the Heath Ledger costume...here is the link again for anyone who wants a peek: http://www.dnfa.com/bristol/ More soon! The flapper dress above is in the sale too.... xx love Samaya

Papercut shoot

2011-01-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

Finally here are all the pictures that went into Papercut Magazine, photographer is Simon Powell and shoot styled by Ruined Lou using my choice of vintage pieces......here is the link to view the magazine online, I like it xx http://papercutmag.com/index.php/emagazine/ Samaya xxx

Vintage Fashion Auction Catalogue Online!

2011-01-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

The Vintage Fashion Auction catalogue is online now! Have a peek, its looking good - still a few more images to load up and some more 1970s maxi dresses, an Ossie Clark and some lovely quilted jackets to add....you can bid online, over the phone or in person but remember to register with the sale room first xx Sale date is 1st of February 2011....any questions to email me xx Samaya

http://www.dnfa.com/bristol/search.asp?view=keyword&auction=20446&keyword=||&lotno=&noperpage=20&cat=&pg=0&orderby=&noofresults=157&catname=Textiles

Happy New Year......

2011-01-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness its over, much I as love all the secret preparations, the get togethers and all the lovely food it all seemed to go on and on and on this year, even yesterday we had relatives 'popping over' (I hope they don't read my blog!!). Today I started getting ready for Hammersmith Vintage Fair (this Sunday the 9th, do email me if you'd like tickets) and as I have an extra large stand this month I have 3 rails to fill and a huge table...luckily I have squirreled away lots of spring stock and have plenty to bring! I have updated the vintage fair diary page too: http://www.samayalingvintage.com/index.php/articles/show/vintage-fashion-fair-dates. I also found this website with lots of fairs listed - its superb for Nationwide Vintage Fairs but doesn ot seem to list all the London ones? http://www.vintagefairsuk.co.uk: Now to get back to boot camp, it ended on the 15th of December (why why why) -I know it is usual to eat more at this time of year but I can't wait to be back in my jeans and get buying a bikini for Thailand! I better work fast. I was thinking of asking Sonya (La Freak Boutique) to make me a bikini using a favorite one of mine (that is falling to bits) to copy, I have ordered many (navy is my current colour or black as usual) over the last few weeks and have returned them all......even really posh ones are too fussy. If anyone wants to send me recommendations please do! Love Samaya xxx

A Christmas Baby!

2010-12-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

My sister had her baby at home on Christmas Day! As suspected by me, my little nephew and my son Jo went into labour late Christmas eve. She did not tell me it had started!! So I spent the evening drinking a lot and wrapping pressies and peeling the vegetables and went to bed at 3am in the end which is VERY late for me these days...at 6am the phone rang: me: "Whats going on?" sisters husband Jim: "What do you think is going on?" I got up, showered, dressed, gulped coffee and watched my son open his stocking and was over to Jo and Jim's by 7 am - met the midwife, Sue, and held Jo's hand through a couple of contractions and then Lewis (3 year old nephew) woke up so off me and him went back to my house....I spent the rest of the time marching about checking my phone every three minutes and cooking loads of food and keeping the boys from going mad with excitement...finally at 2pm the phone rang and Jim, in tears, told me I had a new nephew and could we come over asap and bring Lewis to meet his new brother! OH he is so sweet and cute and new and soft and lovely. I am so in awe of my sister, giving birth is hard hard work and she was very scared but overcame all her fears and had her dream home birth, followed by a bath, Christmas dinner, lots of visitors and a big sleep in her own bed with little newborn tucked in next to her. CONGRATULATIONS JO & JIM & LEWIS & NEW ONE! Love Auntie Samaya

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

Today is the shortest day of the year and also full moon...I am hoping that these seasonal and planetary conditions bring on my sisters labour - otherwise I am sure her baby will arrive on Christmas Day and the boys (brothers, cousins and boyfriends) will end up cooking which could be good too if a bit risky (timing is everything boys, think Sunday fry up on a massive scale). I thought my pregnancy seemed long but Jo's seems to have taken about 2 years. I am so excited to hold this new family member and have a good snuggle on a baby that I can give back. That might sound bad but now my son is 8 years old I am getting further and further away from the sleepless and 'full on' years to the present bliss...for example we all walked to the cinema in the snow last night, watched an 8pm showing of Narnia and walked home again having a snowball fight along the way...this is not possible with babies! Perhaps I am just talking myself out of 'going for it' again?. OOh, forgot to say that the designers from ASOS bought a little Victorian fringed cape from me in the summer - they have revamped it and its fantastic! I will be treating myself to this as the Victorian ones are usually to delicate to be worn......

http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Revive-All-Over-Beaded-Bolero/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1374330.

The Vintage Fashion auction is coming up fast now, 1st of February 2011, and as soon as the catalogue is online (next week or so) I will put a link on here and email all of you that asked to be on the mailing list (do let me know if anyone else wants to join). There are so many brilliant dresses, bags and costumes to go for, its a real conflict of interest for me as I want most of it....especially the Moschino jackets, the Lanvin Couture silk butterfly print dress and the 1950s huge snakeskin bag....Above is a picture of Donna wearing my gold capelet...Happy Christmas and A Fabulous New Year to you all xxxx Love Samaya

What to wear when cold...

2010-12-07T03:41:00.000-08:00

Well I can safely say that I caught this cold from my 3 year old nephew Lewis, he gave me a full on the lips big kiss with snot last week and that night I awoke with dry knife throat and a blocked nose. I managed to do my stand Hammersmith and had a lovely day, I was giving glasses of sparkling wine out but funnily enough most of the customers said "no thank you" whereas fellow stall holders were loving it! My haircut of last Friday was so bad I had to wear a hat all day in London (and every other day even when I am alone). I must grow it down a bit. Right, what the hell can I wear in this weather? You'd think I would have loads but it seems every winter I have nothing warm AND stylish...I would like some black wool pegs (a bit like the ones Whistles are doing but they do not fit me right), some more cashmere sweaters and some warm boots that are NOT Uggs....and a fitted 1940s style coat that is not too long for my little legs - any suggestions gratefully received xx Louise just borrowed my crowns and capes for a little shoot for papercut magazine...here is one picture above for you for now - featuring my 1930s pink feather cape and my 1880s french tiara....love Samaya xxx

Vintage Seekers

2010-11-30T14:50:00.001-08:00

I am busy as a bee loading up some lovely vintage belts and jewellery to the Vintage Seekers website...have a look and see if you can guess which are my pieces! xx http://www.vintageseekers.com/

Christmas Shopping?

2010-11-29T04:18:00.000-08:00

Just to show you a picture from the 'street style' shoot we did yesterday, more pictures coming soon, big Thank You to all the models and photographer (Chris Lucas) who wore next to nothing outside in the freezing cold xx This picture is of Frankie in the Rudi Gernreich dress.....one of the warmer outfits...Hammersmith Vintage Fair this coming Sunday 5th December...as usual email me if you'd like tickets, an excellent place to gather vintage goodies for pressies or yourself! Christmas is coming fast and I have only bought myself presents so far - Namely a red monogrammed Comme Des Garcons purse from my friends Sophie's shop....http://www.merchantarchive.com/ and a few books (crime - my new literature phase) and CDs but they were 'used' from Amazon and me and little Rob have discovered a new love for Phil Collins 'I can feel it in the air tonight'.... xx love Samaya

Vintage Seekers

2010-11-25T02:44:00.000-08:00

I am trying to resize photos for uploading to Vintage Seekers! Its a new online store with lots of amazing antiques and vintage, here is a link: http://www.vintageseekers.com/. Robert put some of his luggage on and has sold 2 pieces in the last 4 days - its getting a lot of good press.

Meanwhile I am also choosing stock for a very important meeting tomorrow! I will tell all as soon as I can - but Rob is getting his DJ set together for the launch party of KING OF PAINT tomorrow night (new Graffiti shop in Bristol, we live in graffiti central) so loud loud Public Enemy and other old school hip hop is blasting out and frankly rather distracting. At least I am getting to practice my dance moves for tomorrow...not sure what to wear, certainly not trainers, unlike some old 'heads' I have left behind my skater / hop hop / rucksack wearing chick days behind...perhaps some huge 80s earrings (the ones above are vintage Chanel), workawear jumpsuit and gucci heels? Love samaya x

Modesty Suit!

2010-11-23T13:26:00.001-08:00

Oh, I love the internet, I'm just browsing for a bikini and found this:

http://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/product/details/show.action?pdLpUid=HK845&pdBoUid=2157&lpgUid=11102145#colour:185,size:8

Imagine me in that? Seriously though, I need a bikini for February! If anyone has any good ideas let me know....

Ice Skating

2010-11-22T13:11:00.000-08:00

My little legs are aching like mad after a 2 hour ice skating session with Robert at his friends party today and need a hot bath, so just a short one tonight to show you this link to an fashion shoot using lots of my current pieces...it starts on page 30 (you can click to go to the page or turn the page using the bottom right hand corner with your mouse...) xx looks pretty good but am not sure about the jewelled codpiece! http://www.e-mergemag.com/ X goodnight x Samaya

Incredible Latin Dancing

2010-11-15T01:28:00.000-08:00

Last week Robert said to me "Oh, you are going to love this new ad I've seen"....he was right - forget its for a car and click the youtube link below! Check out the moves, makes me jealous. I said to Rob we should start dance classes again (we went to salsa once but I had to dance with smelly sweaty handed gits while he danced with all the quite nice girls) but he reckons I have no chance of getting this good in a million years (he says he already is this good) and he is not happy or confident about me kicking my leg through the middle of his without an accident. He also said he will now be wearing long white sox and shorts when we go to Thailand. xxx more soon! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDoEiezUoXk

What a day...

2010-11-10T12:18:00.001-08:00

Phew, long long day involving some fun and some not fun jobs, like hanging around for ages at a garage getting new tyres put on...and waxing my mums kitchen shelf when I only went there looking for a cuppa and a chat! But, after a nice hot candlelit bath (the boys only came in a few times and put the light on) I feel lovely and had to get online to say: Louise Ferdinando has a website! And its beautiful, very simple and elegant, have a peek:
http://www.ferdinandojewels.co.uk/Ferdinando_Jewels/Welcome.html
I want the 1940s showgirl necklace...its almost a cape. Vlad made the website so good I could not even pinch an image to show you so do click the link xx

I have been sorting out the catalogue for the Vintage Fashion Auction today at Dreweatts and Bloomsbury, its looking good and they are getting some amazing pieces in, some very wearable 1920s - 1980s pieces and some crazy collector pieces, like the Queen Mothers wedding dress.......will put full details when I have them, do email me if you want to be on the mailing list for the catalogue when its ready, the sale date is the 1st of February 2011. I like a nice deadline, so much so that I have booked a buying trip / holiday for the 2nd of February to THAILAND! Aah, pineapple and coconut shakes, beach huts and lots of shopping for weird massive jewellery...most of the necklaces and rings I brought home last time sold straight away to a friend of Roberts, this time I will make sure some gets to the fairs and online. Here is a flapper dress I want! Its an original Yvonne from Paris, http://www.antiquedress.com/item6229.htm

Also! Lovely Claire Dixon wanted me to invite you all to:
Dazzle, (an excellent exhibition), Art Deco fashions from the Roaring Twenties
20 November – 16 January , The Gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre
Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB www.discoverycentres.co.uk/winchester

I am off to have a cup of green tea, I am doing a bootcamp at the moment so no wine and the classes are full on, never have I ached so much. I asked Rob to have a feel of me to see the difference and in typical Rob style he said: "You still have a long way to go". Goodnight my lovelies xxx

Vintage At Goodwood Video!

2010-10-21T04:02:00.000-07:00

pps: I forgot to put this in - it is a brilliant 5 minute film of the best bits of Vintage At Goodwood Festival...its really good! http://www.vintageatgoodwood.com/gallery/video.aspx

A New Rudi Gernreich Dress..

2010-10-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy week here with lots of vintage pieces flying out the door - Daisy Lowe has bought a lovely silk floral 1930s tea dress, my friends daughter Issy has taken away a 1950s sailors jacket, (she is the most stylish 16 year old in Bristol) designers have picked up some beaded and printed pieces and I have put aside all things Bridal for a meeting with more designers on Monday.... so now I am back on the (eternal) quest for more beautiful things. I went to see Brian and Roger, my friends in Bath, yesterday to sort out their 70s and 80s pieces for the up and coming auction (February 1st, Clifton, Bristol, full details coming soon!) but we did not get much work done...they ended up showing me the things that are not for sale. So many wonderful pieces, better fun than a museum as they let me try things on! The best pieces for me that I saw were a 1915 Lanvin couture evening coat and a 1930s Jean Desses (yes dated and numbered!) silk grecian dress, late 1930s with the most incredible hem, it reminded me of a car engine...wish I had a photo to show you what I mean! Anyway, I ended up convincing them to sell me a Rudi Gernreich dress, black wool with sweet neck and cuff details...I will be wearing it to death this winter, even if it is far too short, will look fantastic with black jeans and boots....xx ps: The next vintage fashion fair coming up is the lovely Frock Me, 31st October from 11 am, do email me for tickets.

Schools, parents and things...

2010-10-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

I know this is not a usual fashion type blog for me but I had to get it all off my chest! I went to my sons parents evening last night (wearing 50s trapeze coat, big big pearl earrings and jodpurs - I wont go into what the others were wearing ho ho) and had a slight rage at another parent...he suggested that the children would be better of spending their time doing some activity other than SWIMMING! Outrage among other parents, my friend and fellow parent said later (in the pub for debriefing) that she could feel the, er, strong disapproval, flowing his way. I tried to be as polite as possible and keep quiet but he kept on about it being a waste of time so I said: "It sounds to me like you want to stop the swimming lessons because your son does not like swimming" (my son has me up to date on all his peers) He and his wife denied it straight away, then a couple of other parents spoke (more eloquently than I) and said how important it was to learn and that some families never go swimming etc...then the topic luckily moved swiftly on to baking cakes etc for school fairs...I must learn to not let others wind me up and not to take things so personally...I will let you know how I get on...Ah, just remembered that yesterday I had to go into a chemist to collect something for my lovely pregnant sister, I asked her "can I get this in another chemist?" the last time I was in there they were so so rude that I haughtily told them "I will never buy anything from you again" and marched out...I hope they did not recognize me, had a big white wool hat on and collars up...only for you Sis. It seems to have been a day of slightly difficult communications as I also told the Natwest cashier that I did not want to come in a discuss my account as I find those meetings boring...and beeped my horn at a few rubbish drivers while taking my mum to the airport which is totally unlike me..perhaps I am pre menstral? Today I will use only my best manners and smile calmly at the parents after school....xx samaya

Happy Monday...

2010-09-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

Just a short one to show a couple of images just in from the shoot last week - my selection of vintage clothes, styled by Lou (ruinedlou), modeled by Eleanor and photographed by Simon Powell....more soon!

Grey Hair...

2010-09-22T04:05:00.001-07:00

I had a good read of my old books last night and was reminded about Dior's views on hair whilst re reading 'The Little Dictionary Of Fashion' (by Dior). He has brilliant (and very funny in this day and age) opinions on all things but I especially love this: "Nothing is prettier than grey hair. And by the time a woman's hair is grey she has usually acquired a charming kind of dignity and femininity. So she will choose elegant clothes with soft lines - nothing too sophisticated or too masculine". Well I popped in on my mum this morning after the school run and told her, she was horrified and said "Thats all very well but it depends what sort of grey you go, I have wiry steel" Carry on with the highlights then Ma, I love your bouncy hair. My hair is turning slowly, (my little Brother is very grey at 27!!) I wish for a money streak really, so I could look like an Italian woman and dress accordingly but again, Dior says we should dress to match our personality...hum, well I plan to leave my hair natural and go grey with dignity...if it looks terrible though I will be ignoring Dior and running to the salon. Dior also says in H for holidays "I would like to say now that I think British women know perfectly how to dress for sport an holidays. For these occasions all the world has to learn from them". FANTASTIC! but I fear no longer true...

Auction, Frock Me...and The London Vintage Bridal Fair!

2010-09-22T03:39:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October the 3rd I am doing my stand at The London Vintage Bridal Fair, its being held at the Hilton Olympia, 380 Kensington High Stree, W14 form 10:30am - 5pm and will have lots of amazing stands selling everything bridal as well as fantastic dresses and accessories for guests, bridesmaids and mums....worth coming even if you are not getting married or going to a wedding just to buy an incredible occasion dress! The images below are from The Vintage Wedding Dress company: http://www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com/ .

I forgot to mention in my last update about the vintage fashion valuation day - Friday 17th September at Dreweatts and Bloomsbury...it was great! some incredible Victorian bodices came in, and an amazing grecian dress from 1970s, Yuki2 label...as well as lots of other lovely bits including 1950s swimwear and little faux fur capes..I will let you know as soon as the catalogue is ready to view online - the sale is going to be held on Tuesday 18th January 2011, please email me if you would like to be on the mailing list for sales.

Then on Sunday 19th I drove like the wind (legal wind speed of course) to Frock Me and had a great day - I managed to by myself an olive green ruched crepe dress with faux fur trim, its amazing! must get it cleaned and fixed by the weekend as its my friend Malcolm's (baby Malc) 50th (!!!omg) birthday...he works for Glastonbury festival doing the Dance stage so Mr Eavis has given him a field to have his own party in...it is a weekender but I think I will just go for the Saturday Disco night...the last party Malc held there was for his partner Sally (she is way younger than him ha ha), he was late applying for a music license so it was a silent disco, everyone had to wear wireless headphones and if you took them off all you could here was feet stomping on the wooden dance floor..very weird and funny, my friend Jo kept shouting rude things (as you do when wearing headphones) that I can't repeat here. ...Rob has chipped off to Milan in Andy's very fast car - they left last night at 3 am from Folkstone..they must be mad but Andy is afraid of flying so hey ho...am a bit jealous that I could not go to Milan but to be in a small space with those two for all those hours would have been unbearable, especially as Andy chain smokes and they both talk too much.... I bet Rob will be nicotine stained when he gets back. xx Samaya

Joanna Newsom Live...

2010-09-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

A feast for my ears... Amy and me went to the Colston hall last Thursday night to see Joanna Newsom...I have loved her music for years but have only seen her on Jools Holland and play my two albums....she was incredible..came on stage on her own for a solo with her harp for the first number, wearing a long grecian style green dress and high high shoes. She sat down, said hi etc, then rucked up her dress to her knees, leaned the harp back between them and rested it on her shoulder...then her back went straight as a board and she nodded her head and began to play the harp and sing so brilliantly that my arm hairs were doing their mexican wave and Amy (who had never heard of her til I dragged her along) just whispered "wow" in my ear. Here is a picture of her...not from Thursday but you can imagine the green dress...

Here is a link to a live version of the song she started with :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01pVV8ihQSU&feature=related

More soon...

Lovely customers...

2010-09-14T04:40:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Vicky from http://www.saumarez.co.uk/ (she sells beautiful vintage inspired lingerie) for sending me a photo of her wearing a dress from my website....she wore it to the launch of her website and looks fantastic....

I had a great day at Hammersmith on the 12th, really busy but still managed to try on a Vivienne Westwood dress...it looked like a wind sock on me but Louise tried it on, looked fab and bought it there and then...how we did not notice it until nearly 5 pm when it was on the stage, on a mannequin, I don't know. Now getting ready for Frock Me! This Sunday the 19th...and the valuation day at Dreweatts and Bloomsbury on Friday the 17th... Brian and Roger aka Frock Off Its Mine (the couture collectors from Bath) are coming to help me for hte day so we are going to have some fun xx More soon - Samaya x ps the Evening post photo was ok after all, even little Rob liked it! if you ignore the silly hand on belt bit of course...will try and get a jpeg from them to put on here.

Best meal ever on my own street...

2010-09-09T04:09:00.000-07:00

Last night me, Chaz and Jo (some of my oldest friends) went for a meal at Bells Diner http://www.bellsdiner.com/ which is at the end of my street, I walk past it every day (and evenings) and look at lovely candle lit tables and wave to my friend Mek who works there...she laughed when we told her we had never eaten there before last night and then served us with champagne and olives and amazing date and walnut bread...Chaz had sweetbreads (yuk) followed by Lamb..me and Jo chose scallops to start and then duck...it was absolutely perfect. The wine and excellent company made for us having a rather loud table with perhaps inappropriate jokes and comments flying about, including my joke to the waitress about how Chaz was paying...and then he did! Even better moods prevailed and we went off to the pub in very high spirits. I had my haircut yesterday too, sorry Faye (Hobbs) but I went to Darren at Harry Blades for a change! He went mad as hairdressers do and its very short but I love it! Its so well cut that I can swish it, swoop it and put it anywhere and it looks good. I felt very boyish after so marched to Debenhams on my way home to the Chanel counter and the girl put very red lipstick on me...when I got to the end of my street the Robs were just getting back from school and my son shouted out of the car window "oh mum what have you done to your face?" thanks son. He wants me to dress like him, no chance skater boy. Now I better get the rails ready for Hammersmith Vintage Fair, so many new dresses and fabulous jewellery bits to price up and play with before they sell! If you'd like a free ticket do email me, its this Sunday 12th.....
Bells Diner....Number 1 York Road, Montpelier, Bristol xxx

Evening Post!

2010-09-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

Never turn down press I say... Suzanne Savill, lovely lady from the Bristol Evening Post, somehow found my blog, liked it and asked me to do a little Q & A for the September the 11th issue, its called Secrets and Lies and was fun to do...what was not so fun was the photoshoot today. I'd suggested my local park as it has nice trees etc...and my flat is a mess so that was out of the question...the photographer met me there (I had been cycling about most of the day, meetings at Dreweatts and Bloomsbury, I really need a haircut, eyebrows are thicker than my Dads, had 2 layers of make up on and felt rather nervous as am not very photogenic) and started chatting away about vintage...nice guy, trying to make me feel at ease I suppose. Then he found a spot he thought suitable and told me to stand in a sort of 'one hip up, one shoulder down way' holding onto the little belt of my spotty 1940s silk crepe dress (thank you Liz Van Hasselt - I love you - ooh and Happy Birthday too!) also I had to put my hands in a funny position. All these contortions made me feel most unnatural so I added a big smile (teeth and all) and then he kept saying "drop your chin" !!! What the hell is that supposed to mean?? Rob thinks that I was probably trying to stick my chin out too far (over compensating as there are some family photos of me with a horrible weak wobbly chin (s) / neck syndrome). Anyway it only lasted about 10 minutes and it will be a miracle if I am not cringing and hiding on Saturday the 11th....xx I did not even ask to see them in camera, best not to know. What Rob does not know is that one of the questions in the interview was "what is the most annoying thing about Bristol" and I said "my boyfriend" ha ha! The photos are some that my mum took at Goodwood......more soon!
My friend Claire has sent me the link to this new vintage website - it has lovely things...espeically little lace 1920s tops....: www.bellabellsvintage.com

Vintage At Goodwood Madness....

2010-08-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

Ouch my feet, my back, my head, my eyes.....what a festival! I hear it was chaos behind the scenes but out front the people were LOVING this incredible event. Here is my story from arrival onwards..... Wednesday 11th: Set off in well packed hire van (huge thing, long wheel base) on my own with directions and got there no problem...the beautiful site of Goodwood Estate. Met Judy Berger the curator, she is fantastic and by Sunday I was calling her 'me Judy' Ali G style. I set up the camp for me and boys and Amy, 2 bell tents and a gazebo thing for us all to sleep eat and change in (we even had a rail for our outfits and shoes were all laid out ready for selecting....thing is I hardly had time to get changed...). By then it was 5 pm and I though I may as well start on setting up the stand as I still had energy to burn...after a four hour stint fitting my rails and tables in and hanging my red velvet ruched fabric over the walls I was pooped so had a glass of wine with Victoria Vintage and then fell asleep laughing at Victoria muttering in her tiny tent about her head and face were touching the flysheet.

Thursday 12th: Showered, make up, dressed in little pink 1920s summer dress and old little brown leather boots and off to set out stock and have a look around. Drove the van onto the site again for last bit of unloading and parked outside my stand...was just unlacing the marquee when I heard someone shout my name, looked around and the van was rolling on its own down the field, I chased it as fast as I could swearing my head off as it just missed the classic vintage cars and huge sculptures set up and then it smashed into a post holding up the festival lights...the bumper was finished off, I was shaking like a leaf. The goodwood team came and helped me get off the post and pull off bumper, one of them even gave me a hug, then I moved it, put the handbrake on PROPERLY and got on with setting up...after phoning a garage to book in putting a new bumper on on Monday morning....there is a £500 excess on the hire van insurance...personally I think it was the handbrakes fault but we wont go into that. The rest of Thursday went like a dream and my stand looked nearly ready by the time the boys and Amy arrived in the evening. We took a walk around the site and found an airstream caravan selling cocktails, so beautifully done out with a marble bar and lights...

Friday the 13th and I was feeling confident that I had my bad luck on the van incident Thursday but I WAS WRONG. I was very early 6 am into the showers, spent a long time grooming and then tried to leave the block only to find I was locked in...no one around either so I had to boot the door hard and shout out of the tiny window (standing on the bin) "Help! LEt me out!" Finally s woman came along and got security to free me, I am sad to say that after probably only 20 minutes in a locked room I cried!! I would be useless in jail. Once ready in black crochet 1960s dress and high heels (Amy wore my Ossie Clark top and got papped!) We opened on time and ready with lots of bottle of Prosecco to share with customers and were over whelmed by the amount of people, mainly women, all looking amazing in various outfits from 1930s - 1980s...lots of my London customers came by for a drink and a shop and all in all we had a fantastic day selling like mad and getting too drunk to call it work...the boys did not get a look in that day and had to spend it on the half pipe (yes there was a skate park there!) and eating chips while me and Amy talked our heads off and sold tons of dresses and hats...that evening we were too tired to go out and I had a hangover from drinking in the daytime so went to bed...Saturday and Sunday were a blur really, it was not like the lovely vintage fairs where there is plenty of time IT WAS MANIC and so busy I started to get a bit stressed...luckily Amy was there to make me laugh and sort out the stall while I went for a wonder and watched my little boy on his scooter doing incredible stunts at the ramps...I hardly saw him all weekend. We managed to go dancing at the Warehouse rave arena on Saturday and then to see Norman Jay at the Soul Casino, thanks to my amazing MUM who came to babysit and help on the stall!! In bed by 3 am and then no blimming sleep cos the campsite was noisy with all the revellers....Pearl and Daisy Lowe came and bought a few dresses on Sunday night after their fashion show, wished I had seen it as it sounded brilliant...then somehow I found the energy to pack up all the stock and take down all the red velvet drapes and get some sleep....so glad to be home but what a weekend! More photos coming soon from my Mum - Thanks Mum xx

Ruched Velvet Cinema style..

2010-08-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

We had a great camp with the whole family last week in deepest Wales. Mum chose the location as usual but luckily the only downside on this trip was the Artillery Base next door that let off huge booms every hour or so. It was near the surfing beach of Manorbier, lovely coast, clear sparkly water, lots of late nights with my brother and sister and mum laughing - I shared a tent with Mum and little Rob- absolutely hilarious. Then Friday I went to Big Chill festival for the day - also with little Rob, we had a lovely time with friends and stayed late but then I got horribly lost on the way back, long dark tracks through the woods with rather mad festival punters trying to get in as I was trying to leave (on a friday night, lesson learned - NEVER use 'purple gate').

Vintage At Goodwood is only 3 days away for me - going Wednesday ON MY OWN to set up camp and the stall, the boys are really getting on my nerves, keep asking why do I want to go on my own?! ha ha. They are coming Friday am to 'help'. There is so much on (thank you Caro for programme - its amazing!) at the new festival and the site looks incredible too - a lovely woman called Katherine is arranging fashion shows (three a day I think?) But now I have had enough of preparing! I have even ruched (ruched by my own hands) red velvet drapes to hang around the stall...gold silk lampshades...have I gone mad? If its muddy I will, er, dress it down, BUT its not going to rain! There is a heatwave coming. Love (a very tired) Samaya X

The Royal Crescent Hotel and Vintage Auction Coming Up...

2010-07-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Lucky Robert was given a night in The Royal Crescent hotel in Bath last night for his birthday, (booked at www.laterooms.com - excellent rates). I went too of course and it was absolutely lovely, a well needed rest. Their spa is incredible, a huge water pipe over the pool pumps hot water across your shoulders and massages them, the tubs are hot and cold...oh I could have stayed in there all day. When we came out and had drinks in the garden we looked fresh as daisies, skin all plumped and rosy and felt fantastic, I cannot recommend it enough. In the evening we met a friend and had dinner at Jamie Olivers restaurant in Milsom Place, really good atmosphere in there but Robert thinks the food is 'English Italian', not authentic enough for him but I loved my spaghetti and the olives were very good...

Its been very busy here getting ready for Vintage At Goodwood - http://www.vintageatgoodwood.com/home.aspx - I am so glad I booked the stand early as now I am hearing from other dealers that it is nearly impossible to get through on the phones and they have sold out of spaces....I am planning a beautiful layout with all my best and newest pieces, its a nice big space compared to what I have at the vintage fairs. Fingers, toes, legs and everything else crossed for good weather....the line up gets better and better - I will be roller skating in the 1970s warehouse disco and remembering my wild days in the 1980s rave tent...as well as doing some work on the stall of course.

Another project on the horizon is a Vintage Fashion and Textile Auction I am putting together with Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions, taking entries from September. We already have huge lots of film costume (top secret details at the moment but will tell all asap) and a collection of early Biba and Ossie...do email me if you have anything you would like to put forward and if you would like to go on the mailing list for details of when and where.... More soon.....x love Samaya ps: a special hello to my auntie Janet!

Frankie...

2010-07-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

Later....I have been looking through some images I did with Elle, Frankie and Fergs a few months ago that I have not got round to using yet and thought I'd put one on the blog for now! I am the one in the white hat trying to show Frankie what I want her to do (she was quite cold and ill that day) and Elle is holding the reflector in the background of our lovely Bristol Docks....the necklace Frankie is wearing is made of antique Miao beads from South West China, recently taken away by my lovely friend Mary Gormally xxxxxx

2010-07-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Rob and me went to the St Pauls' Carnival on Saturday night and checked out some sound systems - including the first Dub step I have experienced and its not bad, was very funny to see my friends teenage kids dancing like mad and only barely nodding at me and Rob like we were out of place and total oldies. We also had two dinners, one fried fish and one steamed fish, absolutely lush. I know this is a bit late in the year (s) but I just found a pair of harem pants that actually suit me and I am so pleased! Topshop - I love you. Rob (my style guru, ha ha) said "yeah, they look great from the front but from the back they are catastrophically atrocious" Thanks love, luckily I ignore a lot of his advice and will be wearing them to death. Hammersmith Vintage Fair was fabulous yesterday, very surprising as July is usually very quiet. I had a museum quality Victorian full length bustle coat (with its original price tag) and it sold first thing, along with another coat (which was on the website - oops its still there better mark it sold asap). So its true, when you find the right coat you have to buy it, whatever the weather. Getting very excited about Vintage At Goodwood now, not long to go, its a big stand I have booked so I am going to mark out the space in the living room to see how many rails and tables I can fill! Love Samaya xx
That's me in the middle....

Cowboy boots.....

2010-06-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

Rob hates cowboy boots so I sneakily pulled one on to try it for size at a big flea market in Cornwall and TWANG my back muscles pulled - I was in so much agony I had to leave it on and buy them and hobble off slowly to find Rob, he was horrified and I spent the next 48 hours on big painkillers, now I am off to the osteopath to get it sorted out. They turned out to not fit very well either so off to the charity shop with them. Apart from that we had the most amazing holiday - I wore mainly my Aunts 1970s batik kaftan and flip flops, perfect for getting changed on the beach and lovely and cool....she has given Rob one too but he seems to have lost it......we could not have picked a better week for weather and now am very brown and relaxed looking forward to Hammersmith this weekend - the last one until September, as usual if anyone would like tickets do email me xx love Samaya

As Worn In....

2010-06-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled upon a great website 'As Worn In' http://www.aswornin.com/ featuring the actual costumes from major films, theatre and tv...powered by Angels the costumiers http://www.angels.uk.com/home.html, I only had a quick look around, looks as if they are about to get a lot of early Gaultier and Alaia in so I will be going back!! not the prettiest website but worth bookmarking for future one off designer collectables. I really really really want an Alaia belt - softest ever leather and always brilliant design.

Hammersmith Vintage Fair was amazing on Sunday, I sold my latest Ossie (quorum, black cuddly), my gold, black and silver sequin encrusted 1920s dress with waterfall sides and a whole lot of other pieces too - lots of accessories this month - including my crazy hats.....felt flower cloches, lace and straw, lambs wool toppers and my best ever a little straw front tilt hat from 1912...so sweet. My friend Sam on the stage had the only CD in the building - Dirty Dancing soundtrack and it played on REPEAT all day, it was very funny... but not so funny to have it in my head for the last blimming 3 days. So, I am off for a few days to Cornwall and then to some secret buying locations...well I think they are secret? July 4th is the last Hammersmith, in fact my last vintage fair, until September NOT including the amazing Vintage At Goodwood of course - do email me if you would like a code to get 25% off your tickets, the line up continues to astonish me and my roller boots are by the door waiting for their 'on the wood' disco session....http://www.vintageatgoodwood.com/artists/musicbyarena/thewarehouse.aspx Norman Jay is my best DJ so I hope I can get away from my stand to dance (on skates of course) when he is on...the organizers just sent the rules and regs package, yikes, fire extinguishers? Tarpaulins? Not the cosy dry indoor town halls I am used to these days.
Lastly, I met a man at my local coffee shop, and got talking (i never stop it seems) and his daughter is a print designer, amazing geometric patterns...her name is Heather Reid and the dress on the left is hers.....bought up by Oasis, wish I could find one for me - they don't seem to be on the website (oasis) at the moment...I quite like the roses one too.

More Antique Tiaras...

2010-06-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

Camping was brilliant, hot sun, good book and the boys (my son and nephew) in and out of the sea about 15 times a day and for the first time doing their own wetsuit fittings...still a bit of a mess here with camping stuff all about, I would love a camper van now so we could just leave it all in the van ready for the next trip.....I've just uploaded some of my crowns and tiaras (for hire only!!) on the 'new in this week' page of the website, take a peek if you have time! Off to do my stand at Stroud Vintage Fair this Saturday 12th and then of course to Hammersmith on Sunday 13th...I've got a lot of new stock to sort out for each event, including a crazy early 1900s jester costume...its so mad, red and green with bells and pointy hat and sleeves, might save it to wear to Shambala festival.

Off Camping!

2010-06-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have just been taught how to put my bell tent up by myself! sounds easy, hum. Off to Devon tomorrow for few days with 8 and 9 year old boys...have made them promise to be good and helpful, ha ha. Its been a mad 2 weeks here, went to Scotland to see my folks, they are 94 and have really aged in the last year, my Nan is still using Chanel Allure (squirted in my face one morning, nice) and cashmere, makes me very proud. Then my son Robert smashed his little face up on his skateboard, lying down on it, head first down our street fast and wobbled and his face hit the road - one hour the nurse picked out gravel for. He looked so bad but am happy to say I have never seen a faster healer than this boy! the scab shrinks hourly..in between being away and going to A & E I have found some beautiful stock, cannot wait to bring it to Hammersmith on the 13th! Off to find the coolbox, its going to be scorchio! xx Here is the nearby (to camp) Pigs Nose pub, I have such a laugh in this place!! they have smelling salts on the bar and snuff (go easy or you will fall off the bar stools) ... and a big basket of knitting that you can just pick up and add too or start your own...and dancing all night long in the back hall...and showers for wild campers.

Marc Bohan for Dior

2010-05-25T03:48:00.000-07:00

I have put my rare couture Dior suit, numbered and dated into Kerry Taylors auction - bidding is today! its the last lot (number 1306...) as I only remembered to send it last minute - they have done great photos - fingers crossed it sells for hundreds! http://www.kerrytaylorauctions.com

Miao Skirts from South West China..

2010-05-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

If anyone looked for me at Frock Me and could not find me - sorry! Robert did the stand for me as I had a horrible cold, very strange to be sniffing & coughing in this hot weather. Sounds like it was pretty quiet in the afternoon as everyone wanted to be outside... I have just found these beautiful skirts (c1960 - 1970) from South West China, indigo denim look hemp, heavily pleated and amazing colour batik - all wrap around, so good to wear in summer with vests and bare legs or colder months with tights, ankle boots and little leather jacket...I have 2 earlier ones too, full dark indigo no print from early 1900s. I will be bringing them to Stroud Vintage Fair on the 12th June and Hammersmith on the 13th but if anyone wants to try them on before then just email me to arrange xxx Samaya

Hair.....

2010-05-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Right, that is it I am growing my hair for real this summer. I have been trying to grow it for the last 2 years but every time it gets a bit longer, bulky around my neck and out of shape I go short again....I just got back from Scotland, so beautiful there, just the air smells good up there...so anyway, while I grow my hair I may wear a wig, just for a wee while..am thinking blond and perhaps curly for a change....(is this a mid life crisis?) if anyone can recommend a good wig shop online let me know xxx Frock Me vintage fair in Chelsea town hall this Sunday, email me if you'd like a ticket xxx

Who to vote for?

2010-05-06T01:14:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog! Its been my little sister Jo and her man Jim's wedding - Saturday 1st May, we had a ball! Jo looked amazing in her dress despite it not fitting properly (dressmaker has a fall off her horse and rushed or bodged the last bit, the bodice, was a horrible panic for a while) We managed some May pole dancing, live mad band (The Love Vultures), big barrels of beer and cider and hay bales and lots of lovely people...I managed to sober up late afternoon to look after my nephew and do my DJ set, which was a bit rubbish due to one turntable not working and lots of lovely drunk dancers staggering into me.... I wore a 1940s dove grey dress with sequin details on one shoulder and pleats down the front with a black feather stole and huge patent clutch with croc shoes.....Just went to the local polling station and closed my eyes and put a random cross...(joke) can't say who I voted for but can say it was not BNP. Tickets are in for Hammersmith so I will be emailing them out early next week - I have some incredible new stock, a bustle coat from 1901 with a beautiful pattern (and still has the price tag on) and an Ossie Clark, Quorum, black cuddly in mint condition...a laced bodice in pretty floral fabric, fully boned, a 1920s tennis playsuit and some more beaded flapper dresses, very excited to show it all off.

Ossie Clark Cuddly in red (photo from http://www.c20vintagefashion.co.uk/)

Bombshell dress...

2010-04-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it was Cornwall, not Devon, and my lovely Audi broke down had to leave it behind. Plus we had a teenager and a toddler with us.....but because of 'high energy' Amy (I love you Ames) and the kids making us laugh we still had a fantastic time. Miracle. I am off to collect my lovely car tomorrow as well as have a hunt round some antique shops on the way home...just uploaded a few new dresses on the website, take a peek.....here is one for now...more crowns coming soon too. AND look at this fabulous bangle!! By Tortolani, 1957, Zodian signs all carved into the metal....shall I keep it?!! X Samaya

Hammersmith Vintage Fair This Sunday!

2010-04-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

Just about to go off to Devon, I can't wait to get out of the city! I am all ready for Hammersmith so if the weather is amazing I can stay til Saturday...do email me if you want a free ticket xx My sisters hen night was brilliant, Jesters Comedy Club was AWFUL never ever go there...we went on the The Canteen and danced for what seemed like hours to a band called Explosive Nzakomba..and then on to the old 'Star and Garter' til 3 am for more dancing and games of pool til a fight broke out, then we left....quite well behaved friends my sister has xx!
I will be bringing a few new tulle / prom dresses to Hammersmith in lots of colours, nude, blue, green, pink, black and a white one with pleated tulle skirt, nearly the same as this beauty:

My Sisters Hen Night...

2010-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you Natalie for the lovely comment! Yes I do have a broad price range...I only collect pieces I love and they sell a bit too quick to get on the website sometimes, luckily I leave the web stock at home or it would be an empty site..look forward to meeting you at the fair xxx

Tomorrow is my sister Jo's hen night - I have arranged it all and am now feeling really nervous that they all enjoy it, I have never met half of the girls going, itinerary: High Tea (at my Mums), dinner at El Puerto and then on the the Comedy Club for stand up funny people (hopefully) and then a disco after (? will this work? will it be terrible?) then on to another club if anyone is still up for it...it is most possible that I may be out of the game by then :-).

Just had the collection of tiaras and crowns photographed finally today (thank you Chris x) and will be loading them all soon...above pictured crown is my favorite (again) (picture by me, not Chris!). Then its off camping next week and somehow get ready for Hammersmith Vintage Fair on the 18th April.....as usual do email me if you want a free ticket x Love Samaya